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Rev. John “Johnny” Whitfield Hobbs Jr., 80 years old, finished his journey back to “the House” on Friday, March 11, 2022.

A visitation with the family will be held on March 26th, 2022 from 1-3 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel (4108 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412).

The celebration of his life will be held April 3rd, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Liberty Christian Fellowship (244 Williams Dr, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948).

In 1974, while pastoring Northwoods United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, NC, John prayed a prayer that would define his life and ministry. He prayed, “Jesus give me your heart for people and Holy Spirit teach me to love Jesus like you do.” This was truly the mark of his life. He deeply loved Jesus and genuinely loved everyone with the love he had been loved with.

John grew up in Carolina Beach, NC. He spent his younger years calling bingo, shining shoes, and serving as a lifeguard on the boardwalk.

After preaching his first sermon at the age of 16, John went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina with an AB degree in psychology and from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC with a Masters of Divinity. After being ordained and pastoring in the United Methodist Church, he was later appointed as an evangelist in 1978. He was the founder and president of Maranatha Ministries Unlimited traveling throughout the United States and other nations spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through revivals and renewal services. He pastored and planted several churches, launched youth camps, coached pastors and churches, and oversaw a ministerial fellowship with Christian Believers United with 110 affiliates throughout the world. He most recently served as a pastor and elder at Liberty Christian Fellowship in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

While we deeply grieve this loss, we celebrate the legacy he leaves, as well as the impact his life will continue to have through all who have been touched by his heart and ministry. We are certain he was welcomed with the open arms of the Father as he made it to the house on Friday. The family treasures the precious gift God gave them in a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved without thought for himself. He was endlessly generous, sacrificially loving, wise, kind, and hilarious. He loved the beach and he loved his Tarheels.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Whitfield Hobbs Sr.; mother, Helen Bateman Hobbs, whom he loved so much; father-in-law, Melvin Robinson; and great granddaughters, Elizabeth Cameron, Ameilia Katherine, Melody Ann.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years and sweetheart since 7th grade, Betty Jo Robinson Hobbs; mother-in-law, Linell Gibson Robinson; son, John Melvin Hobbs and wife, Amy; granddaughter, Jordan and husband, Eric; great-granddaughters, Ella and Ava; great-grandson Whitfield; grandsons, Jonathan, and Nathan; daughter, Joell Hobbs Morris and husband, Clyn; granddaughter Emma and finance, David; grandson, Jacob; son Scott Joseph Hobbs and wife, Lisa; granddaughter Victoria and husband Viktor; grandson, Joseph; granddaughter Olivia.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, ministry friends, and partners from around the world. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution at www.mmu.org or PO Box 7003, Wilmington, NC 28406 to Maranatha Ministries Unlimited that will continue its work of spreading the Good News of Jesus.

READ MORE OBITUARIES HERE.