09/14/2026
🕊️ Downtown Albany honors the life and legacy of Mr. John D. Hawthorne, Jr., Director of Albany, Georgia Department of Community and Economic Development
With profound sadness, we remember a remarkable leader, public servant, military officer, educator, entrepreneur, and man of faith whose life was dedicated to serving others and strengthening communities.
Mr. Hawthorne served the City of Albany as Director of Community and Economic Development, helping advance opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and the broader community. His leadership and commitment to economic development left a meaningful mark on Albany and the people he served.
But his story of service began long before his work in Albany.
Growing up during segregation, Mr. Hawthorne became the first and only African American graduate of Lake Placid High School’s Class of 1966, helping break barriers and open doors for generations to come.
A Distinguished Military Graduate of Florida A&M University, he earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and went on to serve 26 years in the military, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was among the first African American graduates of the Pershing Missile School and served as one of the first African American commanders of a Pershing missile unit while stationed in Germany.
His distinguished career also included work with NASA, Ford Motor Company, Procter & Gamble, entrepreneurship, higher education, affordable housing, and economic development.
Yet perhaps one of his greatest legacies was found in the way he served people.
Mr. Hawthorne was a Deacon at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia, where he faithfully served his church and community. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and servant leader.
His life was a testament to what is possible when talent, courage, faith, and service come together.
Downtown Albany extends our deepest condolences to the Hawthorne family, his church family, colleagues, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
We honor a life that opened doors.
We honor a leader who served.
We honor a legacy that will continue.
Rest well, Mr. Hawthorne. Your service mattered, and your legacy will not be forgotten. 🕊️
