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Longtime Cantonment Pharmacy Owner John Reading, Sr. Passes Away
December 28, 2019
A longtime Cantonment businessman passed away Thursday.
John Thomas Reading, Sr., 89, owned the Cantonment Pharmacy for 43 years. The pharmacy closed in 2014 after the business was sold.
“I’m going to miss seeing the people and the families I’ve know for three or four generations. I even performed marriages for a few of them as a notary,” Reading said in a 2014 interview. “We know the people so well…..we love them.”
Reading was underage when he joined the Navy at just 14, and he later joined the Army Air Corps/Air Force. Family said his life was one adventure after another. He owned several motorcycles and airplanes, was an animal lover and Civil War history expert. He authored 10 novels, was a giver of good advice, and “the teller of the tallest tales”.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, two children, three grandchildren and numerous other relatives.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Comments
28 Responses to “Longtime Cantonment Pharmacy Owner John Reading, Sr. Passes Away”
Remember colds? Well the mutant virus’ going around now are horrible. Mr. Reading. could whip up some “Cantonment wine” that offered more relief than anything from Pfizer.
I had the privilege of meeting John only once, at a luncheon for his dear friend Al Brandon of Pensacola.
John had already given me wonderful advice on meds for my wife. He became a dear friend and I shall miss him and his sage advice. He lived the good life.
Rest well, old friend we’ll take it from here. You have served mankind well
OMG YES!!! When Mr. Reading made you some cough medicine you were on your way to recovery. Wonderful man who loved his community.
I met John Sr. a few times and my observations are a combination of all of the above. My mother-in-law, my wife, and other family members ALL were customers of the Cantonment Pharmacy. Why? Because of service, service to the community, compassion, and excellent communication.
His son and I were friends for years, drifting away after the pharmacy closed. An excellent place to see a genuine friendly face while getting necessary and needed medicine to heal the body.
May every Reading family member be blessed..
He,his son, & their shop were a great asset to the community, a while back.
Mom certainly missed them when they shut down, & I absolutely have…
Condolences.
{I miss Kim’s Pharmacy, too.}
Have lots of memories of how John always helped my family with medications and treatment of minor problems. Last time I seen John my son had a bad tooth ache after arriving to Pensacola from Texas. It was a really amazing treatment that worked so well. I’m sure many will miss you and think of you often. May you family be surrounded with God’s love and mercy during these hard times.
Thanks MR. JOHN READING FOR ALL OF YOUR GOOD SERVICE YOU HAVE DONE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
When my mother became sick with kidney disease in the 70s, we were not able to afford all of the medication that she needed,Mr Redding allowed us to open an account to get her medication and pay on a monthly basis,some months we were not able to pay the full amount but He still worked with us so that she had her meds. Thanks You Mr Redding,You are in Gods hands Now! You were a wonderful human being
Man oh man. When I tell you Dr. John was sent from heaven. Oh my this man most definitely looked out for his community. Never was about money. Probably knew we didn’t have it back then anyways. I’ll never met another pharmacist like him again. God bless the family
Dr John was well respected in the pharmacy community. I got to meet him a few times and he will be missed. Prayers for the family!
My family moved to Cantonment inlate 1967. We all did our prescription business with Johnny. He had many concoctions for different ailments. He was the Pharmacist above Pharmacists. He new the community and genuinely cared. When he sold the store in 2014 we haven’t found anything close to what he had. Now all we have is unimpersonable corporate pharmacies. He will be sorely missed. GOD, you got you a good one.
Mr. Reading was such a sweet man with such a warm smile. He was also so kind and helpful. His pharmacy was a part of the community and he really helped those who were ill. May God bless him and bring comfort to his family.
He was a man who loved to help people and really cared. My sincere condolences to his family.
Such a sweet man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny Reading Sr. and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I pray for a peace that passes all understanding upon all the family . My father passed away in 1983 and I have learned through the years cherish the memories for they are better than gold.
Terry Hedges, Owner
Terry’s Paint and Body
Sending my condolences to his family. Mr. John was always nice and caring.
Mr. Reading was a wonderful all around guy. He was better than some Drs. Sometimes when I was filling a prescription, he would say, I have something that will work better than that prescription. I would always take what he recommend. Did all of my business with them, until the shop closed. Rest In Peace, Mr Reading, God Bless the family.
Remember picking up prescription ’s for my mom and daddy he ally asked how they were. He was such a wonderful man.Know he is missed by many including myself.Love and prayers are sent to his his family. God Bless.
How many people remember Dr John’s cough syrup? He said it would cure you or kill you. lol. You really didn’t Need a doctor if you knew Dr John if you know what I mean
He was my pharmacist for many years will miss him.
I was saddened by news of Mr. John Reading’s passing, but comforted at the same time because I know he was a good man. I can remember growing up that my mother would go to the pharmacy(drug store
A good man…rest in peace Mr. Reading Sr. Father keep the family in your care in Jesus’s name…amen.
Mr. Reading was known as the most intelligent, kind, generous, and helpful pharmacist in our area….My family has missed his business….and now we will miss him….may the “Great Spirit” comfort his family and reunite us all as time goes by.
May God Bless your family ,
You will truly be missed.
Knew and dealt with John and his son since they opened the pharmacy in the 70’s. John was my ‘go to’ for meds ( for me and my pets) , advice and much more. He was a great man among men. He will be missed. RIP God bless the family.
So very sorry to hear of this. John was one of my favorite people. I have missed him and his advice and stories since the pharmacy was sold. He was always pleasant and helpful and was very much appreciated. I knew him since he was at the other location north of the one from which he retired. My condolences to his wife and John Jr., both of whom I have also missed since they left the pharmacy.
God bless you Dr John and prayers sent out to your family
God bless the Reading family and comfort them during this difficult time. Mr. John was loved by so many. May he Rest In Peace.