Reverend Doctor John Francis Few, Sr.

The Reverend Doctor John Francis Few, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 5, 2025 in Ocala, Florida. He was born January 31, 1930 to the Reverend Doctor Eugene Cannon Few and Maude Lorena Long in Kinston, North Carolina.

John is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Jean Kearns Hogshead; sons John Few, Jr. (Marsha) of Ocala, Tim Few (Karen) of Tallahassee, Bill Few (Diane) of Vero Beach; and daughter Lorie Markham (Rudolph) of Romeo. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Eugene Jr., Thomas and Richard.

John was a retired Church Pastor who served at numerous churches from 1954 until his retirement in 1993. He was a graduate of Duke University Divinity School, serving churches in North Carolina (Greensboro); and Florida (Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Dade City, South Miami, St. Petersburg, Vero Beach and Winter Haven). During his retirement in Ocala, he served as a Visiting Minister for First United Methodist Church. He received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University in 1983.

During his time in the ministry, John also served on the Board of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. His Civic Activities included Kiwanis and the Elks Club.

John enjoyed travel and playing golf. He loved following Duke University sports, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Marlins.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. August 30, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Ocala. Reverend June Edwards and Reverend Tim Machtel will be officiating. John will be laid to rest privately on a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home and to Empath Hospice of Marion County.