SSGT (Staff Sargent) John R. Sawyer, US Army Retired age 88, of Fleetwood, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Watauga Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at a later date. SSGT Sawyer was born and raised on the North Fork of the New River on January 14, 1930 to the late George Franklin and Myra Wiles Sawyer. He retired from United States Army after serving 20 years. He worked at Jefferson Apparel after the military. He enjoyed going to flea markets, treasure hunting and he was a coin collector. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Ann Bailey Sawyer; infant son, Larry Sawyer, a grandson, Tommy Randall; two brothers, Ray Sawyer and Joe Sawyer; two sisters, Thelma Caudill and Ruby Arnold. SSGT Sawyer is survived by four daughters, Georgia McLean and husband, Joey, of Banner Elk, Linda Trivette and husband, Gary, of Fleetwood, Janice Long, of Fleetwood and Myra Trivette, of Fleetwood; two sons , John Sawyer, Jr. and wife, Donna, of North Adams, MA and Robert Sawyer and wife Heather, of Winston Salem; a brother, Dean Sawyer and wife, Dot, of Florida; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.