John Hughes Orr Jr. passed away on August 12, 2025, in Cumming, Georgia, at the age of 81. The son of John Hughes Orr Sr. and Emogene Gaskins Orr
Born on January 13, 1944, in Tifton, Georgia, John graduated from Tift County High School in 1962 and went on to attend Auburn University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1966 and completed his MBA in 1967. A devoted alumnus, John served as President of the Atlanta Auburn Club and remained actively involved with the university throughout his life, always cheering for his beloved Tigers. His second favorite sports team was his beloved Atlanta Braves. If the Braves were on TV you could count on him to be watching.
A talented athlete, John was offered free agent contracts by both the Minnesota Twins and the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school. He chose instead to pursue a baseball scholarship at Auburn University, reflecting his commitment to both sport and education. His love for athletics continued through coaching youth teams at Stone Mountain Park & Recreation and supporting his grandchildren from the sidelines.
John shared 48 years of marriage with Marsha Gibson Orr until her passing. Later, he found companionship with wife, Madeline Gresham Orr of Cumming, Georgia. He is lovingly remembered by his sons: John Hughes Orr III and daughter-in-law Kelly Orr of Birmingham, Alabama; and Brian Turner Orr and daughter-in-law Christy Orr of Roswell, Georgia. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Brian "Turner" Orr Jr.(and his wife, Caylor Orr), Marshall Chandler Orr(and his wife, Elizabeth Orr), Eli Gibson Orr, John Hughes Orr IV, Mary Abney Orr, and Bowen Alexander Orr.
He is also survived by his brother Robert Daniel Orr of Atlanta, Georgia; nieces, Kristine Orr-Brown, Jaycee Pittman, Camille Lewis, Alaina Lewis, Susanna Godwin, Allison White; nephews Easton Wycliff "Cliff" Orr Jr., John Gibson; cousin Phillip Higgins, and brother- and sister-in-laws Danny and Susan Brock.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Easton Wycliff Orr Sr., sister in law Lynn Hardin Orr, his mother and father in law Otis Turner Gibson and Marie Gibson, Brother and sister in laws, Steve and Derry Gibson and John Gibson.
A Memorial Service will be held on August 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Cumming, 1597 Sawnee Drive. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.
A Graveside Service will follow at Fletcher Cemetery on GA-11 N/US-129 N in
Alapaha, GA - 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.