A native of Atlanta, Georgia, John was the son of John Ellington and the late Carol Dennis. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Dennis, and his father-in-law, Harry “Jack” Lameier.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lynn Ellington; his daughters, Jessica “Jessie” Ellington and Catherine “Catie” Ellington; his father, John Ellington; his stepmother, Barbara Ellington; his brother-in-law, Brandon Lameier; and his mother-in-law, Constance “Connie” Lameier.

John was an accomplished pilot with many years in the aviation industry. He flew for American Trans Air, American Airlines, and ValuJet, and spent several years as a private pilot for NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin. He later started his own aviation maintenance business, MidSouth Aviation. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life came when he became a loving stay-at-home father, helping raise his daughters, whom he affectionately called “Jessie Poo” and “Crazy Catie.”

John was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and take on a challenge. He spent time working in construction and, alongside his close friend John Roach, built the house where the Ellington family still resides. He eventually returned to the aviation world, working for his dear friend John Sanzo as the Airline Maintenance Manager for Secure Air Charter.

John had many passions and hobbies. He loved tinkering with his cars, working on and improving his home, and pursuing his never-ending mission to destroy all squirrels and woodpeckers that dared to come within a 10-mile radius of his log home. But above all else, his greatest passion was his family—his girls, Jessie and Catie, and his wife, Lynn.

Some of John’s fondest memories were made with his three girls. They especially loved spending quality time together on their boat, making memories that his family will treasure forever. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, with a soft spot for Alabama, Jessie’s alma mater, and Tennessee, Lynn’s alma mater. John and Catie shared a particularly special bond, as they had similar personalities, humor, and wit, and he loved reminding everyone that Jessie was smarter than her mother. The family’s time together was often filled with laughter.

Above all, John’s greatest love was his wife, Lynn, whom he cherished deeply. Together, they enjoyed traveling and making memories, especially during their trips to Italy and Gatlinburg.

John had a gift for making people smile. His humor, kindness, and larger-than-life personality brought light into the lives of everyone who knew him. Every life he touched was brighter because he was a part of it. John will be remembered as a kind, loving, funny, and unforgettable soul. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him deeply. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.