John Arvil Hewitt

Following a lengthy illness, John Arvil Hewitt, age 67, rested in final peace on June 21, 2025 at his home in Dawsonville, GA.

As the youngest of six children, John was born and raised in Toccoa by his parents, Jim and Edith Hewitt. He was a Class of 1975 graduate of Stephens County High School and subsequently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. While in college he met his wife, Dorothy. They wed in May 1985 and shared a forty-year marriage.

Throughout his professional career, John pursued opportunities in newspaper journalism. In July 2000 he joined The Champion Newspaper in Dekalb County as General Manager and advanced to Chief Operating Officer where he continued to work until shortly before his passing. His work received numerous industry accolades and awards for excellence. In 2021 he became a published author with his book “Broken Wings: A Brother Left Behind”….a recounting of his father’s military service as a graduate of the U.S. Army’s first paratrooper school in Fort Benning, GA and subsequent time as an instructor at Camp Toccoa.

John thoroughly enjoyed outdoor activities of camping, hiking, and tubing the North Georgia mountains as well as the plants and garden of his backyard sanctuary. With an inherent curiosity for history and travel, he explored and enjoyed diverse locations and people. Within his local community he was active in multiple conservation, preservation and fund-raising projects including restoration of The Swanton House at Dekalb History Center.

In addition to his wife Dorothy and beloved pet Porkchop, John is survived by sisters Shirley Bethune of Athens; Peggy Allen, and Toni Hewitt White, both of Toccoa; and nieces and nephews with whom he held a special bond. His parents, Jim and Edith, and brothers Jimmy and Robert, preceded him in death.

John’s final wishes were that no public funeral service be planned. All who knew and loved him are forever imprinted with memories of his caring heart, humorous wit, vibrant spirit, smiling eyes, and contagious laughter. This is how he hopes to be celebrated and remembered. In his words, “You can toast to my life well lived”.

This announcement is courtesy of Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations for John Arvil Hewitt.