John Marvin Popham, Jr., age 87 of Demorest, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Born in Tiger, Georgia on December 27, 1938, John was the son of the late John Marvin Popham, Sr. and Helen Shirley Popham. In addition to his parents John was preceded in death by his son Barry Scott Popham and brother Roger Harkins Popham.
A lifelong resident and servant of the City of Demorest, John spent over 44 years serving the City of Demorest as a Councilman as well as a volunteer firefighter. During his tenure he was instrumental in the further development of the city’s water system and fire department. John was retired from Georgia Natural Gas and he was a United States Army Veteran. He was an old car enthusiast and enjoyed going to car shows at Myrtle Beach and Pigeon Forge. John had spent many years coaching and was an avid Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves fan. John was a member of the Habersham County Ring of Honor Class of 2012. John was a Master Mason and member of Clarkesville Masonic Lodge, #325 F.&A.M. for over 50 years as well as a member of Demorest Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife Lillie Rae Poole Popham of Demorest, son, Bryan Kevin Popham (Kim) of Demorest, daughters, Rhonda Kim Page (Randy) of Gainesville, Angela Kelli Pope (Kerby) of Clarkesville, Paula Kerri Tipton (Tim) of Flowery Branch, grandchildren, Erin Cresswell (Emory), Hasten Page (Cindel), Kyle Smith (Jessica), Peyton Fricks (Dustin), Alec Tipton (Blakley), Cole Tipton (Kelly Mae), Karli Borg (Caleb), Tyler Popham and Asa Popham, sister Shirley Rae Popham Smith (Steve) of Demorest, sister in law Sue Popham of Cornelia as well as 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Mr. Kerby Pope and Pastor Mike Franklin, officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to service on Friday, from 12-2 PM. Interment will follow the service in the Hillside Gardens Cemetery.
An online guest book is available for those wishing to express condolences by visiting www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.
To read more about John Popham’s life and legacy of public service, see Habersham News’ feature story: Longtime Demorest Councilman John Popham Dies After Lifetime of Service to Community
