John Robert McLaurin

John Robert McLaurin, 40, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on May 16, 2026.

John was born on June 30, 1985, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to his loving parents, Dr. Hugh and Kate McLaurin. The oldest of four brothers, he grew up in Macon, Georgia, where he attended Westside High School. From an early age, John shared his mother's deep love for animals and a natural curiosity about the world around him — taking great pride in caring for the family's many pets and horses and finding peace and comfort at the stables and in the quiet moments spent outdoors. These qualities would stay with him throughout his life and eventually lead him to pursue his degree in biology from Macon State University. 

John brought kindness, warmth, and deep love to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He loved fishing, hunting, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his brothers and extended family on the beaches and golf courses of Kiawah Island where they shared long bike rides, nature walks, hours on the beach, "family olympics" and countless laughs together. He also shared an especially close bond with his nieces and nephews, who adored their Uncle John, and took great joy in passing along his favorite hobbies, childhood games, books, and movies to them — creating memories they will carry with them forever.

 John's loving spirit and gentle heart will remain with his family always. We will remember him whenever we hear a good Allman Brothers song, drink a cold beer on a warm day, or watch the sun set over the beach at Kiawah. We will think of him while watching a classic '90s movie, when the Braves, Falcons, or Bulldogs win, and when our family gathers around the table — especially at Thanksgiving — to say the blessing. In all of these big and small moments, we will feel John, miss him, and celebrate the time we got to spend with him. 

Most of all, we will remember the kindness, love, humor, and care he gave so freely to the people around him, and we will strive to carry that spirit forward in our family, keeping his legacy with us always. 

John is survived by his loving parents, Dr. Hugh and Kate McLaurin; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Samuel and Jenna McLaurin, Tyler and Amy McLaurin, and Hugh Jr. and Claiborne McLaurin; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Tess, Teddy, Hugh III, James and Margot, whom he loved dearly and was so proud to call family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to the ASPCA to honor his love and advocacy for animals. https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.