John Edward Ardry, 73, a beloved husband, father, Grampie, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, in Jasper, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family. John waged a courageous 13-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Born on February 21, 1953, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Boda and Fredrick Ardry Jr., John was a man who never met a stranger he couldn’t help or a project he couldn’t tackle. He was a man of many talents, passions, and interests, with a lifelong love of learning, creating, and helping others.

John dedicated more than 50 years to the automotive industry. His technical career began with his true love—working on cars. He later shared his knowledge and passion by teaching Automotive Technology at Mattatuck Community College in Connecticut. He subsequently accepted a position with Jaguar Cars as a Technical Trainer, a role that brought him to Georgia. John retired in 2018 from Aston Martin Lagonda, where he served as an After Sales Market Manager.

Throughout his career, John was known for his willingness to share his extensive knowledge of automobiles with students, coworkers, and customers. He earned the deep respect of those around him for his integrity, honesty, technical expertise, and genuine desire to help others.

John moved to Ellijay, Georgia, from Alpharetta shortly before his retirement. Retirement did not mean slowing down for John—it simply gave him the freedom to turn his attention toward the many hobbies he loved. John was a private pilot as well as a frequent flyer with Delta Airlines earning Million Miler Status. While at home, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, building projects, and, of course, working on his beloved collection of cars. He was happiest when he was working with his hands, solving a problem, or creating something for his family.

Above all, John treasured his family. Whenever possible, he attended his grandchildren’s activities, proudly cheering them on at baseball games, Cub Scouts, gymnastics, cross-country, cheerleading, and equestrian events. His presence and encouragement meant so much to his grandchildren, and he took great pride in each of them.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Boda (Engle) Gould; his father, Fredrick Jacob Ardry Jr.; his stepfather, Billie Gould; his brother, Richard Gould; and brothers-in-law, Greg Tarball and Daniel Grimes and John’s best friend, Elli, his loyal German Shepherd who was always by his side.

John is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Lynch) Ardry; his daughters, Jodi Eileen Ardry Libera and her husband, Jason Libera, and Jennifer Lynn Ardry Lawrence and her husband,

Travis Lawrence; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor Lynne Libera, Emma Rose Libera, Brooklyn Grace Libera, Tyler John Lawrence, and Gavin Patrick Lawrence.

He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy (Peter) Messier, Tammy Tarball, and Kimberly (David) Rossini; sisters-in-law, Marie O’Donnell, Janet Grimes, and Geri (Brian) Owen; as well as many beloved family members, neighbors, and friends.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, knowledge, hard work, and generosity. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, Georgia, is handling the arrangements.