John Jackson Dearing II, a man whose stature was matched only by his heart, died peacefully on May 15, 2026, surrounded by his family in Atlanta, GA. He was 86.

Born at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta on November 18, 1939, John grew up in a historic home in Covington, GA, the son of Perino Marcellin Dearing and Hortense Braswell Dearing. From his earliest years, he displayed a hands-on curiosity and mechanical skill that would mark his life: woodworking, building, and a natural knack for fixing just about anything. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953, a distinction he cherished alongside lifelong friends. He counted a cross-country train trip to the Boy Scout Jamboree in Irvine, California, as one of his happiest childhood memories.

John studied building construction at Auburn University after beginning his education at Georgia Tech, after which he began a storied career in residential real estate. He developed several classic Atlanta neighborhoods, including Nacoochee Place, where he and his family have lived for 40 years. Later, he undertook a personal challenge: designing and building a home on a uniquely shaped lot at Lake Burton, where he and his wife, Gail, delighted in many summers with their children and grandchildren. Contractors and colleagues admired John for his combination of precision, design instinct, and fairness; he was respected not only for what he built, but for how he treated people along the way.

John’s life was guided by faith and service. He was baptized and married at First Presbyterian Church in Covington and later served as an Elder and Building Committee member at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Known as a true Southern gentleman, he was generous with his time and his talents, always ready to help friends and family with repairs, projects, or advice.

He was “Big John” in every sense: towering at 6’6” with a commanding presence softened by a gentle southern accent, a ready laugh, and a patience that made everyone feel at ease. Above all, he loved his wife of 60 years, Gail, his children, and his eight grandchildren, and took pride in guiding, mentoring, and supporting them in all things.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Dearing of Atlanta; children John M. Dearing and wife Alice of Cockeysville, MD; Rob Dearing and wife Molly of Jackson, WY; Katie Dearing Newton and husband Boyd of Atlanta; Betsy Dearing Berry and husband Barry of Atlanta; grandchildren John Jackson Dearing III (Jack), Elizabeth Dearing, Cate Berry, Sally Berry, Riley Newton, Abby Newton, Sam Dearing, and Susie Dearing; his brother Lin Dearing of Clemson, SC, many cousins and extended family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 20, at the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, 1169 Clark Street SW, Covington, GA 30014. The family will gather with friends beginning at 10:00AM prior to the service.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 21, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First Presbyterian Endowment Fund, 1169 Clark Street SW, Covington, GA 30014, or Trinity Presbyterian Trust Fund, 3003 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327