John Earl French

John Earl French, born February 2, 1947, went to be with our Lord and Savior on December 21, 2020 due to complications with a long-time heart condition. He was 73 years old. 

John was an Army Veteran who received a Purple Heart in Vietnam when he was struck by an RPG to the chest and lived to tell the tale. He was an expert rifleman and had many other accolades even though he was court marshaled and demoted once for stealing a plane. 

He was the owner of AAA Appliance in Atlanta, TX for many years and after that became one of the most highly sought-after commercial service technicians in the mid-Southern states. 

John was the greatest girl dad ever and had nerves of steel during their teenage years. He was a doting husband who spoiled his wife to a point that he turned her into a brat. 

However, his greatest achievement was being a “professional pepaw”. He loved his grandkids probably more than he loved his kids and always made sure that they had everything they needed. 

John was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria French: his brothers Edward and Benjamin; his mother, Stella; his father, Barto; his stepfather, George Foster; and several other beloved friends and family. 

He is survived by his daughters Jennifer French of Crossett, Arkansas, and Joanna French of Gray, Texas; step-daughter Sandra Player or Ore City; step-son Wesley Player of Jefferson, TX; granddaughters Leah, Summer, and Shelby; grandsons Caleb and Trevor; and his greatest pride and joy was his grandson Teddy who was born earlier this year. 

He is also survived by many family members and friends that are too numerous to mention but are loved. 

John intended to donate his body to science, which sparked a long-term argument between he and his wife. She was adamant that he be buried next to her but he refused as he thought that paying to die was stupid. 

Due to COVID-19, LSU was not taking donations so he has donated bone and tissue instead and has already saved lives in doing so. 

However, even after death, his wife got her way and his graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2pm at Core Cemetery on Highway 49 near Gray, TX. 

If you would like to donate in his memory, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.