He loved sports and played on Smithsonian's softball team. When his twins played baseball at Howard University, he cooked meals for the entire team.  His specialties were "JFC" fried chicken, Chinese food, egg rolls, chili, grilling out, and Maryland crabs.

John's love of hunting, fishing, model trains, art, flowers, cooking, nature, and photography allowed him to meet many people. He began to put his artwork to canvas and calendars blessing many churches, individuals, families, and businesses in the area. He even gave them to strangers, like VDOT employees and construction workers in the community. This brought the recipients and him much joy. He had the most beautiful flowers at his home in Maryland and Virginia.  He planted gardens locally where the food was given to those less fortunate than him.  All these things were volunteer and considered his ministry.

He began planting flowers and supported his father's church, Mt. Rock, his wife's church, Poplar Spring, and his church, Otterville Baptist Church. That progressed into planting flowers for many other family members and friends. John also sang in choirs, and his favorite song was "Amazing Grace". His most cherished verse in the Bible was John 3:16, his name and date of birth. He was loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him near and from afar.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Dorothy M. Spinner; his children, Jaunae, John, Jr., Martin and Marvin (Angela) Spinner all of Maryland; seven grandchildren, Cordell, Lindsay, Kristina, Trevon, Marvin, Martin, and Amber; three great grandsons, Cordell, Jr., Caden and Christian; three devoted sisters, Robin Payne (Alvin), Crystal Miller, and Tammy Williams (Robert); loving sisters-in-law, Inez Jackson (Hilton), Jessie Alexander, Virginia Mallette, Nellie Rose (Jimmy) and Youtha Spinner; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins that were like siblings, other relatives and friends.