John David Paynter

      John David Paynter was born in Rochester, New York, to Harold and Pamela Paynter.  He moved with his family to Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 8, and then to Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 12.  When he was 16, his family moved again to Boca Raton, Florida, where he graduated from high school and immediately joined the Air Force.

     Most of his years in the Air Force were spent in Rapid City, South Dakota, working at Ellsworth Air Force Base as an Avionics Technician, servicing and maintaining the B-1 Bombers.

     After leaving the Air Force, John enrolled at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  In 1993 he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Science.

     He moved to Virginia, Minnesota, and worked as a Foreman for 3M, then moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to work for Siemans as a Manufacturing Area Manager.  From there, he accepted a position with Northrop Grumman as a Senior Quality Engineer.  The last few years of his life, he worked for A. I. Solutions as a Senior Production/Quality Engineer.

     John loved people and he loved his work.  He dreamed of designing and building a lake home on Smith Lake with his partner, Denise Hawkins.  Together, they created a beautiful, charming home on the lake and spent countless days enjoying their perfect retreat.

     John passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville and leaves behind his father, Hal Paynter, his mother, Pam Paynter, his sister, Terri Paynter, and his life partner, Denise Hawkins.  He treasured his relationships with Ashley Roy and Abby Hawkins who were like daughters to him.

     He loved his large extended family in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State and Florida and spent time with them every summer on Keuka Lake.  John cherished his dear friends in Rapid City and in Huntsville.

     When he was five years old, he asked Jesus to be the Lord of his life.  At the age of twelve, he was baptized on his grandmother's birthday.  His prayer of comfort was The Psalm of the Shepherd; Psalm 23.  John was a joyful man who took great pleasure in encouraging others.  He worked very hard and in times of trouble, was always there to see us through.

     On December 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM, a Memorial Service will be hosted by Cambridge Church at 14004 Cambridge Lane, Athens, AL 35613.

In memory of John and his faith, donations may be made to:

Friendship Cambridge Building Fund

14004 Cambridge Lane

Athens, AL 35613