John F. Manning II 5/17/38 – 1/29/2013
With his devoted wife by his side, Mr. John F. Manning slipped peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. When he met and married the former, Ms. Carolyn Dillon, his extended family, all of whom affectionately called him Papa John, grew to include eleven inherited children of his heart and their spouses, 50 plus grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. John was beloved by numerous cousins, Aunts and Uncles in Georgia, Tennessee, California, and Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Manning, his sister, Barbara Ann (Patsy) and two of his inherited children.

John began his college studies at the University of Tennessee, and then transferred to Oklahoma State University for one year before returning to UT Knoxville where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After a short stint in the high school classroom, he discovered his gifts and abilities were better suited for music and spent many years writing, composing, and recording his songs. In his later years he was the director of Research and Promotions for MEI Entertainment.
Mr. Manning was well loved in his adopted community of Sun City Center, FL where he and Mrs. Manning were active members of the local First Christian Church. On their last Sunday in attendance together John and Carolyn renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their twentieth anniversary. Years ago, when he and Carolyn met, John wrote a lovely song entitled, Found, expressing his deep gratitude for being found by her. Carolyn was diligent in caring for him as a Certified Nursing Assistant for ten years prior to their marriage. Years later, having come to faith in Christ, his song was a powerful tribute not only to his beautiful wife, but to his Lord Who found him.
Even though he was born with muscular dystrophy and confined to a wheel chair from an early age, John pursued many hobbies and passions, some with his wife, many on his own. It was once said by a family member that John was not handicapped, but handicapable. The pleasure he gained observing the stars prompted the organization of the Sun City Astronomers club, of which he was the first President. John was a trustee of the Ham Radio Club. He liked nothing better than Wednesday afternoon jam sessions with the Front Porch Pickers. He and Mrs. Manning passed many a Sunday afternoon during football season with the Tennessee club. In fact, with the backing of the club, and with the help of his good friend, Ron Lowenbruno, who is not a native of Tennessee, the two men provided music and entertainment in most of the nursing homes in Sun City Center. Together, he and Carolyn were quite the duet in the Entertainers club, and both enjoyed participation in the Handicap club. More often than not, Jon could be found tooling about in his chair with frequent stops at Walgreens and Save-a-Lot where he received top-knotch service and was known by most, if not all of the employees of both stores.
Choosing to be empowered, rather than confined by the wheelchair, John logged many miles, spreading his cheerful spirit and a friendly smile wherever he rolled. He was loved and will be missed by his family, his friends, his church family, and an entire community.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial remembrances be donated to First Christian Church of Sun City Center Florida. 1707 33rd. St. SE, Ruskin, Florida 33570.
A memorial service will be held on February 9th at 1pm at First Christian Church of Sun City Center.