John Brothers Whitacre Jr., age 85, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Monday July 25, 2011 after a short illness. He was born in Canton on May 22, 1926 to the late John B. Whitacre Sr. and Augusta Lines Whitacre Hackett. He graduated from Western Reserve Academy where he participated in many sports. During WW II he enlisted in the Navy, attended officers training at Notre Dame, and received various medals. Upon his return John graduated from Case Institute of Technology where he wrestled and was captain his senior year. In 1951 until 1956 he served in the Army and Army Reserves. John served Whitacre Greer Company as Assistant General Manager from 1949-1963; President from 1963-1979; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1979-1997; and remained Chairman of The Board. He was active in industry trade groups, The Refractory Institute and Brick Industry Association. He served on the Board of Directors of The Bank of Magnolia. He was married at, served in the Vestry, and was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He was a 50 plus year member of Brookside Country Club where he and his wife Pauline enjoyed golf. He was an avid horseman for the past 20 years and served as co-master of the Waynesburg- Magnolia Hunt. Survived by his wife of 57 years Pauline Frey; children Lynn Whitacre- Cart of Magnolia, Janet (Paul) Kaboth of Canton and John Whitacre III of Waynesburg; grandchildren Lila Cart, Christopher (Beth) Kaboth, Stephen Kaboth; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sister Ann Abbey. Friends may call Thursday 5-7 PM at Arnold Funeral Home, Canton. A Memorial Service will be held Friday 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with The Rev. Dr. Barbara Bond officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 425 Cleveland Ave., SW Canton, OH 44702. Arnold 330-456-7291 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com