John Rivers (AKA) Juan Rios, Jr. age 96, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016. He was born November 15, 1920 in Laredo, Texas. He retired from the US Army in 1963 with 20 years of active service and 10 years Reserve. He was a Purple Heart recipient and earned other medals including the Silver Star. He loved the army and dedicated his life to it. He served under General Patton in the 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion and would love to speak of his adventures during WWII. His face would light up when he spoke of this. There was so much pride in his voice. He loved his old country music, Marty Robbins, Kitty Wells, Hank Williams and many more. He was amazing.

He was preceded in death by the loving mother of his children, Ursula E. Eichelmann-Rios; grandson, Sgt. Duane R. Rios (USMC, killed in Iraq in 2003); son, Johnny R. Rios; parents, Juan Rios and Maria Rios; brother, Horacio Rios; sisters, Amelia “Mela” Reyna and Josephine Rios Holmes.

He is survived by his daughters, E. Shirley King of Tunnel Hill, Dina R. Owens of Chatsworth; son, Marshall and Mary Rios of Griffith, IN; brother, Samuel Rios; grandchildren, Robin D. Stephens, Christopher “Todd” Stephens, Gregory “JoAnn” Stephens, Gary W. Stephens, Stephanie R. Keeler, Angel K. Lessis; great grandchildren, Tyler R. Kinsey, Hunter and Kade Stephens, Ashlyn Stephens-Schlict, Bridgette N. Stephens, Jordan and Dylan Pittman, Judy Rios, Jesse Rios and Jaime Rios; numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of John Rivers will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s – Dementia Association in helping to find a cure for this terrible disease. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.