SSG US Army (Ret.) John Morales

SSG US Army (Ret.) John Morales, 54, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, to the astonishment of his loved ones.

John was born December 14, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, to the surviving Julio Morales and Felicita Santiago, and later moved to Naguabo, Puerto Rico as a child. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the United States Army and married his high school sweetheart, Milagros, whom together had three lovely daughters: Cristal Milagros, Coral Marie, and Melody Paola Morales. Although he served at several army bases across the US, John and his family were long time, permanent residents of Hinesville, Georgia. During his time in the army, he served several tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, receiving many awards, ribbons, and decorations for exemplary leadership and service.  

After 21 years of service, John retired from the Army and made his presence known in the Hinesville community as “John the Assembler” or Santa Claus at the local Walmart, and later became everyone’s favorite uber driver. He loved to help all, even offering to assemble items for customers at home or helping students move out of their college dorms in Savannah. John loved his Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all his heart and was passionate about sharing the love of our Lord with others. Now that John has been called home to God, his physical life on earth has ended but it is the beginning of an eternal life victorious in Christ.

Survivors: his loving wife of 35 years, Milagros Morales; 3 children, Cristal, Coral, and Melody Morales; 6 grandchildren, Chloe Mar, Vincent Alexander, Connor Jace, Athena Marie, Jinora Anais and a baby boy due in September; his parents, Julio Morales and Felicita Santiago; his siblings, Yvonne Hodges-Cleare, Jerry Morales and Patricia Santiago; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life at a later date, with full military honor to be rendered. If you would like to attend the celebration of life, please contact the family personally or send an email to melodypmorales@gmail.com

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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