August 16, 1945 ~ October 14, 2026 (age 81)
John Houston Manning, Sr. “Johnny”, 81, of Auburn, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Johnny was born at home in Auburn, Alabama, on August 16, 1945, to the late William and Emily Manning. A lifelong resident of Auburn, he graduated from Auburn High School in 1963. He continued his education at Opelika State Technical College, graduating in 1984 in Electronic Technology, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources from Faulkner University in 1990. Johnny retired from Auburn University after more than 20 years of service in the Office of Information Technology.
While Johnny was dedicated to his work and valued his education and accomplishments, his greatest joy was found in serving the Lord and spending time with his family. He was born again in the late 1960s during a Church of God Camp Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. That experience forever changed his life and established a foundation of faith that would guide him and his family for generations to come.
Johnny loved to sing and used his God-given talent to glorify the Lord. He faithfully led the church choir for many years and also sang with the Oliver Goldsmith Singers. Music was more than something he enjoyed; it was a way for him to worship the Lord and share his testimony with others.
Above all, Johnny loved the Lord. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who sought to lead his family in the path of holiness. His life was a testimony of faith, and the example he set will continue to influence the generations that follow him.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, LaVerne Manning; his three children, Lesa and Joe Pike of Albany, Georgia, J. Houston and Kene’ Manning, Jr. of Auburn, Alabama, and Paul and Laura Manning of Lilburn, Georgia; his grandchildren, Bethany Pike, Canaan and Tabatha Pike, Olivia Manning, Jillian Manning, Luke Manning, Cameron Manning, Tabitha Manning, and Asher Manning; and his great-grandson, Kaleb Pike.
He is also survived by his siblings, Alfred Manning, Frazier Manning, and Yvonne Howerton, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his siblings, Clarice Boyd, William Manning, Jr., James Manning, Sr., Arnold Manning, and Juanita Gentry.
Johnny’s life was not defined by earthly accomplishments, but by his faith in Jesus Christ and his desire to live a life pleasing to God. His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he lived by throughout his life has now become sight.
“He is better than he desires, by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus.”
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jeffcoat-Trent Funeral Home. Service details will be announced when finalized.
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