John Lee Person

It is with sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Mr. John "Bo" Lee Person.

Mr. Person passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be there be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."        Revelation 21:4

John Lee Person was born on January 8,1955 in Castalia, NC to John and Doretha Person. 

In Hartsville, SC on April 9, 2026, John, unexpectedly passed away due to health issues.

In his early years John attended school in North Carolina and from September 1965 attended school in Baltimore, MD. On January 6,1973 in Baltimore John happily welcomed his daughter Kimberly (w/Debra). Then on October 29,1987 in Baltimore John proudly welcomed his son John Lee Person 3 rd (w/Maggie). John always had a soft spot for kids, so he shared 2 bonus sons w/Maggie: John C. Benton Jr and Brandon A. Benton due to the passing of their father.

John later returned to Hartsville, SC where his parents and siblings resided. To his older sister he was known as ‘Jack of all Trades, Master of None’. But to MANY others he was well known as ‘Bo’ throughout Hartsville & up/down the east coast. Although John had limited schooling, the talent, creativity and skills BO had in his brain & hands were unmatched. Two examples: 1) he worked at Sherwin Williams, and the painting training led him to successfully paint the town’s water tower; 2) needing a job he spotted a HELP sign in the window of a dentist. With no experience & a tall tale of knowledge of making dentures he acquired the job and for 3 months he did just so. He was a long-distance truck driver like his uncles, brother Willie and even his son John3rd. Many people gave Bo a chance of employment in carpentry, painting, auto mechanics, electrical wiring, HVAC installations, repurposing furniture, constructed garages, building room additions and helping build homes. His brother-in-law, so dear to him, greatly appreciated his lawn maintenance skills on the regular. As complicated as Bo could be, upon hearing of his passing, his kids are continuously learning how well known, liked and the hard, talented worker he was. The unanimous voice of employers, family and friends on his work skills- “Bo did not disappoint”. Bo loved riding and taking care of horses, spending time with the younger family generation sharing life gems and skills, Sunday dinners and family cookouts & singing with his talented family members: his Momma & our grandma, Carol, Jean, Alma, Willie, Natasha, John 3rd, and drummers Kendrick & Carlo. With each family member he had a special yet different relationship.

 On July 13, 2000, John married Diane Johnson. With her he shared bonus children and grandkids. John Lee Person, was preceded in death by his wife Diane Person, father John Junis Person, sister Carol Person Kelly Stanley, brother Willie Person and dear brother-in-law Lawrence ‘Larry’ Barnes Sr. 

John Lee Person, our father, leaves to cherish his memories: his loving momma & our grandma Doretha Person, daughter Kimberly Murray (Darren), son John Lee Person 3 rd ; 3 grandchildren Jordan and Gabrielle Murray, Tyeasha Person; 3 sisters Virginia Person Barnes, Lynn Person Hough (Terry), Alma Jeffrey & brother Kenneth Person. Bonus children & grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends & business partners. 

No Doubt He Will Be Greatly Missed.