COL John Ross Archer USA Ret, 88, Christian, beloved husband, family man, and friend, passed away on 23 February 2023.
John was born on 16 January 1935 in Fitzgerald, GA, to Elmer C. and Inez Ross Archer.
He had an exemplary military career. John was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60DVC, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Bronze Star Medal (2d OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC), Legion of Merit (1st OLC), Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (1st AWD, Staff Medal (1st CL), General Staff Identification Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (2d AWD.
After his military retirement, John began a career as Vice President of the Wiregrass GA Technical College in Ben Hill County for over a decade.
John was an active Christian who willingly and faithfully served in church positions. He served on hospital boards and was a member of Gideon International and Rotary Club in 3 cities, to name a few of his involvements in Christian and civil organizations.
John is preceded in death by his parents, his former wife, Joan Jamerson Archer, and his sister, Lydia Archer. He is survived by his wife, Sallijo Overstreet Archer, daughter Beth Archer Hobbs (Melvin), sons Doug Archer and Ross Archer and Sallijo's children, daughter Roxanne O. Abell and son Alexander O. Abell (Annika). He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cousins and their families.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or any medical research organization.
On 18 March 2023, the funeral service and visitation will be in Thomasville, GA, at the Trinity Anglican Church, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m.
There will be a graveside service in Fitzgerald, GA, on 20 March 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.