Stinson’s Barbecue Namesake Dies

Stinson’s Barbecue.
It’s “Love At First Bite.”
For more than four decades, that name has become synonymous with good food, whether it be barbecue, hamburgers, chicken, stuffed baked potatoes or anything else on the menu at the small restaurant on the Golden Isles Highway in Lumber City.
John Freeman Stinson Sr. and his wife Sherry Ann McCullars Stinson opened Stinson’s Barbecue in Lumber City in 1981. Stinson’s has become a favorite eating place, not only for people in Telfair, Wheeler and Jeff Davis counties, but also people from surrounding counties and many of the millions of people who have traveled down Hwy. 341 through Lumber City on their way to the Georgia coast and on their return trip home.
The patriarch of the family-owned restaurant, John Freeman Stinson Sr. passed away Dec. 16 at his home in Lumber City. He was 78 years old.
He was born Oct. 20, 1945, in Laurens County. In 1957, he put down roots in the Shiloh Community of Wheeler County not far from Lumber City. Mr. Johnny and his wife of 56 years, Sherry, made their home, raised their sons, and became a special part of the loving community. He was a longtime member of Sardis Baptist Church. Mr. Johnny loved cooking, fishing, farming, visiting family and friends, working, teaching his sons to work, and especially serving and feeding others. His dedication and commitment to everyone he knew and loved will be remembered by all.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sherry Ann McCullars Stinson; sons Joseph Lynn (Kim) of McRae, William Glynn (Crystal) of Lumber City, Johnathan Craig (Patricia) of Glenwood, John Freeman Jr. (Michelle) of Springhill, and Eldridge Lance (Jerreese) of Richmond Hill; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters Agnes Rolland of Hazlehurst and Louise Corley of Uvalda; and longtime employee Rose Lanier of Hazlehurst.
Services were held Tuesday at Sardis Baptist Church.
For more information, see the obituary page.