John Harvey Salisbury

John Harvey Salisbury, 85, of Tyler, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2014. John was born on November 13, 1929 in Princeton, IL to Harvey and Eleanor Salisbury. John loved life. He was raised on a farm in Illinois and was no stranger to hard work. From 1950–1954, John served in the US Navy as a aircraft mechanic on the USS WASP CV-18 aircraft carrier to express his love for his country. John married his sweetheart, Patsy Caroline in 1953. He also loved his community. He shared this passion through his involvement in Boy Scouts, 4-H, Full Gospel Businessmen. He loved to square dance, participate in community and musical theater, choirs and supper clubs. A sports enthusiast, he played football in Jr. College, loved boxing and hunting. He worked as hard as he played and had a business in heating and AC. Many East Texas schools and hospitals and around the state still stay cool today because of his dedication and integrity of his work. John loved his family like no other and poured his life in to them without restraint. And most of all, John loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. John shared the love of Christ and led many to God. John was a man dedicated to his country, his family, and Jesus Christ. John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patsy Caroline Salisbury; his daughter, Ginger Gallaway; his son, John David Salisbury; his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Gary Wilkerson; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Eleanor Jean Briggs of Bristol, TN; brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Verla Wheeler of Kingsport, TN; sister-in-law and husband, Martha and George Joseph of Longview, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Joe Salisbury and his sister, Betty Ann Warren. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11am at Dover Cemetery with Pastor Gary Wilkerson officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. To celebrate John’s life, the family is asking that memorials be made in John’s name to your local church or favorite charity. After service the family will go to Traditions restaurant on Broadway, for lunch at 12:30. Please feel free to come and join us.

John Harvey Salisbury

November 13, 1929 - December 11, 2014