John Lawrence Hendrick of Statesboro, Ga., passed away on July 11, 2013, at the age of 97.His survivors are his wife of 71 years, Hilda Lord Hendrick; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Richard Howard and Brenda and Daniel Mahaffey; and his son, John L. Hendrick, Jr.; four granddaughters, Ginger Howard Street, Gina Howard Lanier, Gigi Howard and Stephanie Mahaffey Horah; and five great-grandchildren, Blake Kochling, Sam Lanier, Dawson and Natalie Horah, and Richard Southworth Howard. John was born and raised in Sidon, Miss., and was a veteran of World War II, moving to Statesboro after the war to build a life with his new bride. He joined the First United Methodist Church and remained a member for 65 years. A self-made businessman, he opened and operated a small grocery store at 48 West Main Street. As business flourished, he made homemade sandwiches and sold them in Bulloch and surrounding counties, providing fast food to travelers in service stations along the highways. Retiring after 25 years, he purchased and ran The Crest restaurant in Crestview. He retired again 12 years later to return to his beloved Statesboro to launch his next venture, providing rental housing to college students, a business he oversaw until his death. He loved gardening and cultivating flowering plants and blueberries that he provided to his friends across Statesboro. John enjoyed the water, and shared this love with his family at Cypress Lake in Statesboro and on the beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, becoming an accomplished skier and fisherman, and a lover of good seafood. An engaging and active man, he had a passion for his work, an unwavering devotion to his family, and a smile and conversation for everyone he met. One century with him was not nearly enough time; he will be missed dearly.A private family service will be held for John at a later date at Bulloch Memorial Gardens in Statesboro. Friends and family are invited to the home of Richard and Pat Howard between 3 and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, for a celebration of his life.The News Bulletin publishes north Okaloosa County residents and former residents' obituaries for $45 including a photo. Family members should write the obituaries and funeral homes should submit them to the newspaper for confirmation. Call 682-6524 or email news@crestviewbulletin.com for more information.