John Deleon Boone, Jr., was born on August 11, 1919 to the late John D. Boone, Sr. and Jessie O. Freeman Boone of St. Stephen, SC. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Carlton T. and Angelo P. Boone and his sister, Pearl B. Shecut.

John was educated in the primary schools of St. Stephen, SC where he was born and raised. When he was but a boy, the Lord spoke to him at a church revival at Zion United Methodist Church. The Lord had His hand on John at an early age. The Lord would later reveal to John the purpose for his life and journey ahead. It would lead him down a path of service and ministry.

John was truly a humble servant. He not only pastored numerous churches, but he ministered to his family and his community. As a young man, he took care of his ailing mother - praying for and with her until the Lord called her home. He was a wonderful brother, taking over a mail route while his brother Angelo was serving his country. He was a devoted servant to the Lord and to God's people.

John entered the United States Army on November 13, 1942. He served his country during World War II as a Technical Sergeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. During his time in the Army, he served in Rome, Italy; Arnot, Southern France and Rhineland, Germany. He was honorably discharged as a Tech 4 on November 14, 1945.

After his stint in the military, John entered Claflin College, now Claflin University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950. While attending Claflin, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He then continued his studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, where he received his Masters of Divinity Degree in 1956.

Upon graduating from Gammon, John began his pastorate in the South Carolina Methodist Conference where he served on several boards and committees across the conference. His appointments would include: St. Jude-St. James, 1948-50; Jedburg-Murray Charge, 1955-58; Pinopolis Charge, 1958-64; Wesley in Charleston, 1964-72; Cumberland, 1972-76; Anderson as District Superintendent, 1976-79; Trinity, 1979-83; Francis Brown-Enoch Chapel, 1983; Secretary of SC Conference, 1966, 1968, 1972; Committee on Nominations, 1972-76; Trustee, Wofford College, 1974; Board of Health & Welfare, 1980.

In 1990, John retired from the ministry after 43 years of service. His journey was about service to God and His people. He never met a stranger. With love in his heart for God's people, he always treated others with respect, humility and compassion. He aimed to put a smile on anyone's face who was not smiling with his charm, wit, endearing smile and reminder of how good it was "to be among the living." He was a faithful, loving husband to his wife, a devoted father and a teacher of God's word.

John leaves to cherish his memories: his wonderful wife of 62 years, Gladys L. Boone of Summerville, SC; four sons, John D. Boone, III (Carla) of Ladson, SC, Reginald K. Boone of Summerville, SC, Gregory R. Boone of Summerville, SC and Roger S. Boone (Ronnye) of Concord, NC; a daughter, Marcelle D. Kee (Wilkins) of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren, Matthew D. Boone of Charleston, SC, Sydney E. Boone of Atlanta, GA, Carter B. Boone of Concord, NC, Ashley N. Boone of Concord, NC, Christian L. Kee of Waxhaw, NC and Peyton A. Kee of Waxhaw, NC; two sisters, Olease McCray of Charleston, SC and Jessie O. Horton of Fairfax, VA; sisters-in-law, Leila L. Cooper of New Castle, DE, Winifred Lefft of Orangeburg, SC and Shirley Coleman of Blythewood, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.