Birth Date: 04/16/1945
Deceased Date: 12/08/2020
“Seldom passed a day when he was not on the streets…greeting his friends with a warm hand and a pleasant smile. He never complained and always looked on things from the brighter side, whether in the house or on the streets with his friends. He never missed a day greeting the people he knew. His courage and disposition have made a lasting impression on the hearts of many. He was at his best around the campfire where he could talk for hours about his experiences while on his many hunting expeditions…He was a real sportsman and a true gentleman! Mr. McFadyen passed on and he will be greatly missed.”
These words were written in 1936! They were taken from the obituary of Archibald Buie McFadyen who was born on May 22, 1866 and died on November 21, 1936. The words could describe his grandson, John Page McFadyen who passed away on December 8, 2020 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC. John was born in Smithfield on April 16, 1945 to Esther Page McFadyen and George Arthur McFadyen, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Smithfield. He received his education growing up around his father’s Pickwick Pool Room and in the Smithfield schools, graduating in 1963. He earned an associate degree in Agriculture at NC State College and an associate degree in business from Hardbarger’s Business College. John was a salesman at Jones Brothers’ Furniture and self-employed businessman. He joined the US Army Reserves in 1966. He was a member of the American Legion and a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield. His many interests include hunting, fishing, entertaining anyone who would listen with tales of his adventures and his version of events and history.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Esther Page McFadyen and George Arthur McFadyen, Sr., his brother, George Arthur McFadyen, II and his nephew, Archibald Oliver McFadyen, II.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy M. Hartsell and her husband Andrew L. Hartsell; his son, Joseph Page McFadyen and his wife Beth Stevens McFadyen; his brother, Archibald O. McFadyen and his wife Deborah Ragland McFadyen; and many niece and nephews. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Luke and Avery Hartsell and Andrew and Jacob McFadyen, and their grandmother, Maxine Moore McFadyen.
A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield, NC on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Please use masks and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1159, Smithfield, NC 27577 or SECU Hospice House, Attn: Johnston Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
