John L. Eddings was born on January 3, 1936 in Panama City, Florida to the late Rev. James Eddings and Willie Mae Eddings. John was the youngest of eight children born to their union. He was called to rest with Christ on October 1, 2014. John attended Glenwood Elementary School and then Rosenwald Jr/Sr. High School in Panama City, Florida. He studied and mastered the trade of masonry leaving his mark throughout the states Florida and Ohio. After graduating in 1956, John served in the United States Army and later returned to Panama City where he converted to Catholicism and wed his beloved Mary Lois Bryant. John and Mary traveled north in search of the perfect place to start their family. En route to Cleveland, Ohio John and Mary stopped in Cincinnati intending to visit relatives, but made the fateful decision to remain here and raise their family. Drawing the blueprint of his dream home while in high school; John was a man of vision and had promised Mary a better life and a beautiful home which he built with his own two hands in 1960. The house currently stands as the mainstay for the Eddings family. John was an active member of the Catholic fraternal benefits organization, The Knights of Columbus. Recognized for his unmatched skill and ability in masonry, John was the first African American to join the Bricklayers Union Local 18 in 1958. His accomplishments can be admired all over the city of Cincinnati including; the former Riverfront Stadium, Northgate Mall, College of Mount St. Joseph, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company, the Hamilton County Justice Center, several hospitals, schools and hundreds of local businesses and homes. In the 1980's John attended the University of Cincinnati where he obtained his teaching certificate and began his second career as a masonry instructor at Withrow High School. John taught, mentored and inspired hundreds of students until his retirement in 1994. By virtue of his excellence in the trade, John was asked by the Bricklayers Union to develop a course of study to be used as the curriculum for masonry programs throughout the city. John was reared in Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Panama City, Florida where his father was Pastor. Once he relocated to Ohio he became a member of St. Richard of Chichester and later St. Margaret Mary Church where he served as an usher for many years. In 1975 at the wedding of his daughter, Brenda, John and his wife suggested an annual reunion of native Floridians; which became the inception of the National Association of Floridian Clubs. This incorporated organization is still active across the United States today. John's unique, good hearted sense of humor made him a magnet for people from various walks of life, genders, ages and races. His passion for sports including his love of golf and being a dedicated fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals will give his family and friends life long memories. Known for routinely hanging with his "buddies" at White Castle in Northside, John's children began to affectionately call it his "office". He was preceded in death by his son William Patrick Eddings as well as brothers James and Marion Eddings; sisters Edna Symonette, Asneath Clark, and Rosa Mae Francis. John leaves to cherish his memory his wife Mary Lois Eddings; sons Andre (June), Darryl; daughters Brenda Nettles (Raymond), and Angela; grandchildren Tarenda, Deanna, Andrea, Xavier, Brandy, Ciara, Jazmin, William Patrick, Jr., Zoe, Maria, Brandon, Derek, Dylan, Amaya ; great-grandchildren Isaiah, Warren, Brandon, Avrie, Zion, and one on the way. Two surviving siblings, William Eddings and Joseph Eddings (Betty), second cousin Ann Green, host of nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. In conclusion, John lived as he believed that life is to be mastered, and when you have completed the work, you leave the work to stand the test of time. A lasting legacy. A job well done. Funeral Home: Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Loveland 129 Riverside Drive Loveland, OH US 45140