John Rufus Loftin passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2025, at the age of 97. John was born on June 28, 1928, to Walter Jones and Rose Lee Allen Loftin in Thomasville, NC, as he said, “in time for breakfast.” After graduating from Thomasville High School, John enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II. Upon discharge, he attended Davidson College from 1947-1951, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the business manager of the school newspaper, The Davidsonian. He was a member of the Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society, the Debate Team, and the Freshman Orientation Team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
John began his lifelong career with McLean Trucking Company in September 1951, often recounting stories of his time in the training program that included six months over-the-road. He was the Terminal Manager in Danville, VA, until he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. In September 1954, he returned to McLean Trucking Company for the remainder of his career.
John met Meta Williamson Pauling on a blind date, and they were married on September 16, 1961. As newlyweds, they moved to Chicago, Illinois, where their son, Jay, was born. John and Meta settled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in July 1963. There they welcomed daughters, Margaret and Mary Anne, and raised their family in the home they lovingly built. As the Director of Purchasing, John worked loyally at McLean Trucking Company until December 1986.
In Winston-Salem, John was involved in a variety of civic activities. He held numerous positions at the United Way of Forsyth County, including Budget Committee Chairman, Treasurer, and later President. He was also a Board Member for the United Way of North Carolina. John was on the Executive Committee of The Boy Scouts of America Old Hickory Council and served as an advisor to Junior Achievement of Winston-Salem. He was formerly a member of Mount Tabor Methodist Church and then First Presbyterian Church.
John’s second career and second family were with Members Credit Union, formerly McLean Credit Union. He was first elected to the Board of Directors in January 1983. John faithfully served them during four decades, as Chairman from 1986-1989 and 1997-2007. He was Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. For his dedication, he was honored with The North Carolina Credit Union League’s Volunteer Person of the Year Award in 2000. He was again honored with the establishment of The John R. Loftin Scholarship, in 2007, for Members Credit Union members seeking to advance themselves with post-secondary education.
John’s second home was in South Carolina at Damon Gun Club; his father-in-law was one of the founding members and he was the oldest living member. He not only raised his children and grandchildren to embrace a love and respect for the outdoors, wildlife, and hunting, but also shared this love with countless other youth.
John was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Joseph Allen Loftin. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Meta; a son Jay (Joni), and daughters Margaret (Dan) and Mary Anne; ten grandchildren – Rachel (Ryan) Anderson; Cara Loftin; Walt Williams, Noah (Payton) Williams, Anna (Langston) Herb, Martha (Micheal) Skinner, and Cameron Williams; Harrison (Hope) White, Meta Kate (Jay) Dixon, and Hadley White. Four great grandchildren include Walker and Watson White, Marlee Anderson, and Georgia Williams. We will all cherish the memories and the lessons he taught us!
A celebration of John’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 300 N Cherry St, Winston Salem, NC 27101 on Wednesday, October 29 at 11 AM with a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider memorials to The John R. Loftin Scholarship at Members Credit Union or First Presbyterian Church.