John Harrington Latney life's book of a very full life was closed early on Tuesday morning, April 2, 2019 at Retreat Doctor's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. John was born to the late Harvey Latney, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Fortune on June 3, 1943 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He accepted Christ and joined St. James Baptist Church in Milford, Virginia at the early age of 8. He was a graduate of Union High School in Milford, Virginia in 1961. He retired from Haynesville Correctional Center in Haynesville, Virginia as a Lieutenant Correctional Officer. He was also employed by Carter Brothers Service Station.

John married the love of his life, Shirley Mae Coleman on August 14, 1965 at Shirley's home under the biggest most beautiful dogwood tree she could find on her parents property. From this union two wonderful boys were born, Rodney and Terrell.

As a member of St. James Baptist Church, he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board for a number of years. Other ministries he participated in include the Men's Ministry , church choir, and honored as Usher Emeritus. He was a firm believer in tithing and gave freely of his time and other resources to his church.

Through his wisdom, leadership, support and love, John molded and touched so many lives and he never complained. His life's example serves as a true inspiration to all who knew him. John had a heart of gold.

His passing leaves a void in the lives of many whom will cherish fond memories, including his wife Shirley; two sons, Rodney (Maria) and Terrell (Pat); one brother, Harvey; one sister Mary Deyo (Nina); four grandchildren, Quinton, Jauan, Javonte and Brandon; two-great grandchildren, Quinton J and Timera; two aunts, Dorothy G. Latney of Philadelphia, PA and Gladys M. Fortune of Port Royal, VA; one goddaughter, Krissy Harris; one niece and nephew, Chelsia and Davin Latney; one great-niece Dazaria Latney; special cousin, John K. Latney; one brother-in-law, Robert Coleman; three sisters-in-law, Virginia Cameron (Johnnie), Faye Smith and Delphine Davis (Joe); numerous other relatives all whom he loved and close friends; Norma Bell, Roosevelt Childs,Thomas Davis, Trent Gaines, Wayne Johnson also known as "CW", Kenny McDowney, Virginia Samuel-Thornton, David Ware and Cathy Washington.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 with family receiving friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St James Baptist Church, 19514 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.