John Cure Withers, 87, of Massanutten, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg.

Mr. Withers was born in Roanoke, Virginia on December 10, 1921 and was a son of the late Douglas and Dorothy Cure Withers.

Mr. Withers graduated from Roanoke College and was a World War II Air Force Veteran with the 339th Fighter Squadron. Among his accomplished citations, Captain Withers received the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters.

John was a nurseryman and owned and operated Hi-Meadows Gardens in Mt. Solon for many years and was a member of Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed raising horses, cattle and tending to his azaleas and rhododendrons.

On September 8, 1951 he married LuDean Wingo Withers who survives. In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is also survived by a daughter, Dell Withers Taylor and husband, Kenneth of Natural Bridge; two sons, Dean Wingo Withers and wife, Kim of Timberville and John Wallace Withers and wife Diane of Swoope; a brother, Douglas D. Withers, Jr. of Mt. Solon; six grandchildren: Jason C. Withers and wife, Krista, Sarah K. Didawick and husband, Josh, Courtney D. Taylor, Ashley K. Lamay and husband, Daniel, Jeremy W. Withers and Meredith L. Withers.

A graveside service, conducted by Rev. Daniel R. Kasten, will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mt. Solon.

The family will receive friends this evening (Saturday) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elkton Emergency Station 35, 99 Judy Lane, McGaheysville, VA 22840.

The online register may be signed at www.kygers.com.