John Wood Kiser, Jr.

John Wood Kiser Jr., 82, of Statesville, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

John was born in Statesville February 23, 1941, son of the late John Wood Kiser and Mary Frye Kiser. He graduated from Statesville High School in 1959 and was awarded an NROTC Navy Scholarship to attend Duke University, where he graduated in 1963. He served six years in the US Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and trained student pilots. Following his military service, John attended the Wake Forest University Law School, where he graduated in 1978. He was married to Rita Ann Lindstrom Kiser on July 17, 1965. John was a retired attorney at law having practiced in Statesville for many years. He taught night classes in Negotiation at Wake Forest University Law School for a number of years. He spent many years in Statesville Musical Theater starring in and enjoying many performances.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by one son, John “Craig” Kiser (Heather), of Greensboro and two granddaughters, Abagail “Abby” Elizabeth Kiser and Katherine “Kate” Ann Kiser, whom he adored and of whom he was very proud. Two brothers, Thomas N. Kiser (Marilyn), of Fayetteville and David M. Kiser of Pawleys Island, SC. John was a mentor and role model, not only for his son Craig, but also for Craig’s friends. He, along with his friendship offered counseling, teaching and laughter. All of Craig’s friends enjoyed and highly respected John.

Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 am, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Brad Mullis officiating.  

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County at 2341 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 and to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides education for children of fallen veterans. For donation directions, please Google “Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation” and use their website.

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