John B. McIntyre

John B. McIntyre

Easley S.C.

John Belton McIntyre, beloved husband, devoted father, dedicated community servant, and respected businessman, passed away on July 6th, 2023, in Anderson, S.C. at the age of 101. Born on February 18th, 1922, in Spartanburg County, John lived a remarkable life filled with extraordinary accomplishments and acts of service. 

Having grown up in the mill village of Arcadia, just outside Spartanburg, he joined the United States Army in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in World War II. Serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 360th Engineer Regiment of the Army Corps of Engineers, John was part of the Normandy Invasion. He landed at Utah Beach just after D-Day and was in charge of clearing explosives and munitions from the beaches so the Allies could bring their heavy machinery in for the push into Europe. He served 44 months overseas during WWII and fought in two major European battles.

One of nine children and the only member of his family to attend college, John attended Clemson College, class of 1951, on the GI Bill and earned a degree in textile management. McIntyre was married to Betty Ruth Harling for 54 years from 1951 until her passing in 2005. They moved from Spartanburg to Easley in 1957, where McIntyre worked for Mayfair Mills. They moved back to Spartanburg two years later where he worked with Draper Manufacturing Co. Returning to Easley in 1963 with Draper until he formed John McIntyre Textiles and Machinery in 1969 and remained with his company until his retirement at age 79.

In his later years, he took up cooking at the age of 81 to care for his late wife Betty Ruth as she battled Parkinson's Disease. This act would pave the way for him to serve his spouse and the Easley community by preparing meals for neighbors and members of his church. His German chocolate cake was a community favorite.

John's culinary devotion was recognized nationwide when he won a prestigious national contest in 2007 for an essay about what inspired him to cook. This accomplishment further highlighted his dedication to serving others through food and brought well-deserved recognition. 

In addition to being an outstanding cook and caring community member, John actively contributed to numerous organizations that enriched the lives of those around him. He dedicated 60 years to the Easley First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon emeritus. John's strong commitment to service extended into the community through his involvement in the Easley Rotary Club, Easley Lion Club, local prison ministry, and Clemson Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

John's community contributions did not go unnoticed as he received several notable accolades for his unwavering dedication. In 2011, the Easley Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Duke Citizenship and Service Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others. In 2016, he was recognized by the State of South Carolina with The Order of the Silver Crescent in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and leadership for the benefit of South Carolina and its citizens. In 2019, Rotary International bestowed the ‘Be The Inspiration Award’ to John. On his 98th birthday, John was recognized at the South Carolina Statehouse by the House of Representatives for his service and in celebration of his birthday.

John is predeceased by his parents, George Erastus McIntyre, and Clara Love McIntyre, and his stepmother, Janie McIntyre. As one of nine siblings, John is predeceased by his sisters Virl Dearybury, Sue Hunter, and Julia Beaty, and his brothers, Claude McIntyre, George “Buck” McIntyre, Conley McIntyre, Richard McIntyre, and a granddaughter, Harper Grace McIntyre.

John is survived by his sister, Kate Haulbrook, and loving children Jeff J. McIntyre of Cabin John, MD, Lynne Moosberg and husband, Larry, of Rome, GA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John McIntyre will be remembered with respect and admiration for his extraordinary life journey. His legacy as a devoted family man, successful businessman, dedicated community servant, and compassionate cook will continue to inspire generations to come.

A committal service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307 with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 PM at Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. 1^st Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in John McIntyre’s name.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.