John Thomas Hargis

John Thomas Hargis, affectionately known as "John T" and "Hawkeye," 76, of Evington, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his beloved family farm on July 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 9, 1949, in Lynchburg, Virginia, John was the son of the late Hugh Thomas Hargis and Frances Witt Hargis. He spent his entire life in the community where he was born and raised, building a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to his family and neighbors.

John proudly served the City of Lynchburg for 28 years with the Lynchburg Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 2001. His work ethic extended far beyond his firefighting career. While serving as a full-time firefighter and managing the family farm, he worked as a professional painter and owned and operated a successful business called The Grounds Keeper Inc.- a landscaping company. He earned the respect of countless friends, neighbors, and customers through his integrity, hard work, and willingness to help others.

Although John was known for his strong work ethic, it was his love for family and the farm that truly defined him. He treasured time spent with those he loved and found great peace simply sitting in a field overlooking the land that had been part of his family's story for generations. This farm will be awarded the certified Virginia Century Farms award next May. He also enjoyed baseball, fishing, hunting, and history, and was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved so deeply.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Thomas Hargis and Frances Witt Hargis; his sister, Betty Lou West; and two beloved granddaughters, Anna Noelle Hildebrand and Ella Brie Hargis.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Toni Hargis; his daughters, Michelle Maule (Steve) and Stacy Hildebrand (Matthew); his son, Scott Hargis (Brooke); his ten cherished grandchildren, Andrew Maule (Dana), Emily Maule, Grace Ferro (James), Seth Hildebrand (Emory), Asher Hildebrand, Gretchen and Sophia Hargis, Meah, Sophia and Kaleb Coles; and his three great-grandchildren, Maeve, Ezra, and Margot Ferro. He also leaves behind many special friends and cousins who were like siblings and who will forever cherish his friendship, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory located at 220 Breezewood Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the farm that will forever hold his memory.