John Earl Waddell was born July 9, 1936 in Manhattan, New York. He was the eldest of two children born to the late Earl and Geraldine Waddell. He departed this life on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

Before returning to his native New York, John was an Airman in the United States Airforce. John worked for the Mass Transit Authority (MTA) in New York City from where he retired after 32 years of dedicated service. John was a devoted husband, father and uncle. He married his wife, Marguerite Waddell, on August 28, 1993. They had a wonderful 24 years that will be forever cherished.

He dedicated his life to Jehovah on May 26, 1991 and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He served as a ministerial servant in the Flushing, East and Clemson Road Congregations. John always enjoyed hosting and extending hospitality at his home with friends. Even as his health was declining, he was determined to be as active as possible in his theocratic activities. He loved Jehovah with all his heart and his fellow man, too. He was also a gifted singer and was not shy about sharing that gift with others at every opportunity.

John leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Marguerite Waddell of Columbia, South Carolina; one sister, Annette Waddell-Flores of Flushing, New York; three sons: Christopher and Adam Waddell of Wappinger Falls, New York and Allen Waddell of Peekskill, New York; six grandchildren: Terrell, Adam Jr., Allen Jr., Jennaliyah, Edward-Allen and Troy-Allen. He also leaves behind two nieces and three nephews: Michelle, Andre, Gilbert, Anthony and Angela as well as more than eight million spiritual brothers and sisters, worldwide.

He was predeceased by his son, Morgan McHenry, and daughter, Sharon Waddell-Anderson.