John Willie “Snookie” Wilmore, Jr.

John Willie “Snookie’’ Wilmore Jr., loved sports, hanging out with friends and fishing. He had a passion for life, especially for his beloved San Francisco 49ers football team. John was rarely seen without a hat, T-shirt, jacket or something in his possession emblazoned with the team’s red and gold logo.

John’s passion for life was extinguished on July 7, 2022.

He started life in Chester, S.C. on Nov. 28,1965 as the youngest child of John Willie Wilmore Sr. and Annie Bell Davis Wilmore. He was the center of his family from the moment his parents brought the baby home and nicknamed him “Snookie.’’

As a youngster, John was devoted to Lincolnville Baptist Church, where he gave his life to Christ at an early age.As an adult, he was a born-again believer and had confessed and accepted Jesus as his savior.

He developed his interest in sports early playing youth baseball and football. He continued with athletics in high school and was a standout football player for the Chester Senior High School Cyclones.

He was an early adapter to skateboarding and often used it as his primary mode of transportation before he was old enough to drive.

John graduated from Chester Senior High School and studied Business Management at York Technical College in Rock Hill, S.C.

John married Sandra McClurkin in 1989. He was thrilled when the couple’s only child, John Willie Wilmore III,was born. He always expressed tremendous pride in his son. The marriage ended in divorce.

John, who was always smiling, had a loving spirit and a big heart.

He loved kids and would say “hit the rock’’ when greeting them with a fist bump. He often challenged them to a game of basketball. It didn’t matter to him who won or lost; he simply enjoyed the experience.

John lived most of his life in South Carolina before relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio to begin a life with his childhood girlfriend, Lisa Watson and her son.

That move was his first airplane ride and he developed a love for travel. He was overjoyed with the opportunity to take a trip to California and get his picture taken in front of Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers. He smiled for weeks about that trip and shared the story with anyone who would listen.

Another thing that could put a big smile on his face was a visit from his son.

John had a high knowledge of God, a keen understanding of what is expected of a Christian and made sure church was a priority for the family as they would attend Zion Global Ministries in Cincinnati every Sunday. John met no strangers and quickly made friends in his adopted city.When approaching someone he always spoke and asked: “How are you?” The response he gave when asked the same was “Better than I deserve.”

John’s life-long dream was to become a truck driver. He attended Napier Truck Driving School in Ohio to become a licensed CDL Driver. Once licensed, he accepted his first driving job with E & E Trucking. He transported goods along the East Coast and made several trips to Texas on a weekly basis. He later worked for T&T trucking.

Before relocating to Cincinnati, John worked for Metro Metal & Design Inc. in Matthews, N.C. and Chester Wood in Chester.

John was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, Tommy L. Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, John Willie Wilmore III of Chester; a brother, Michael A. Davis of Chester; sisters, Elaine Wilmore of Rock Hill, Sharon Wilmore Buggs (Michael) of Huber Heights, Ohio, Sandra Wilmore-Wright (Leroy) of Rock Hill, eight grandchildren, Alayah, Ja’nila, A’Maria, Jaylen, Jayla, Taj, Ja, Lani and Brooklyn; one aunt, Cora L. Williams (Elvy) of Cherry Hill, N.J., sister-in-law Patricia Davis,Rock Hill, SC; a devoted friend, Lisa Watson(and her son, Anthony “Mello”) of Cincinnati, five nieces, three nephews, several great nieces and great nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

Family will receive friends Monday, July 25th - Thursday,  July 28th from 12 noon until 7:00 pm at the home of his sister Sandra Wilmore-Wright 1453 Hyacinthia Lane Rock Hill, SC 29730. Must wear a mask

Please in Lieu of flowers send donations to Charlotte Rescue Mission the link is listed below.

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