WILMINGTON — John Askew of Hillsborough, NC, formerly of Lake Waccamaw, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on April 19, 2025. A native North Carolinian, John was the younger son of the late Laurin Barker Askew, Sr, and Ellen Richmond White Askew.
John grew up in Wilmington, NC and graduated from New Hanover High School in 1968. He served several years as an officer in the US Navy and attended the University of North Florida, where he received his degree in business administration.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Brown Askew; his daughter, Katherine Askew Kirschner (Josh), son, John “Jay” White Askew, Jr, and grandson, Alex Kirschner, all of Chapel Hill; his brother, Laurin “Monk” Barker Askew, Jr; and brothers-in-law, Ricky Simpson (Gloria), David Brown (June), Jeff Brown (Frances) as well as many nieces and nephews.
John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, in-law, and friend. He served as the long-time owner/operator of Askew Chevrolet until his retirement in 1999. Beyond his professional achievements, he enjoyed spending time with his family, volunteering as an elder in his church and in various civic organizations. Upon his retirement, he continued to give back to his community by faithfully volunteering with the Lake Waccamaw “Ramps & Rails” Group, a non-profit that constructed ramps for community members with physical disabilities. He devoted countless hours to the Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry, helping provide food for those with food insecurities. John was also a long-time member of the Lake Waccamaw Planning Board, proudly serving the town he called home. An avid outdoorsman, he treasured spending time with family and friends fishing, hunting, or relaxing at the lake or beach.
A life-long Presbyterian, John was confirmed in 1957 at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington and was a member of Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church for over 30 years. Upon moving to Hillsborough in 2024, he joined New Hope Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, where he enjoyed making new friends.
A memorial service will be held at Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church, 301 Church Street, Lake Waccamaw, NC on Saturday, April 26 at 1:00 pm, officiated by The Reverend Michael A. Davis. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church, PO Box 150, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or the Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry, PO Box 64, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
