John Carroll Manning

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in His way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand…” (Psalm 37:23-24 NKLV)

John Carroll Manning entered into eternal joy of the Lord on August 29, 2017.

John had a muscular disease similar to ALS but he was able to speak and inspire until the end. He fought a good fight physically, but more importantly he “fought the good fight” spiritually.

Mr. Manning was born in Jennings, LA to John D. and Margaret Smith Manning, and grew up in Big Lake. He was a 1963 graduate of Grand Lake High School and graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1972. He served full-time in ministry from 1968 until 1976 in Kaplan, LA, Vera, OK and Lafayette, LA. He then ministered part time in New Iberia from 1977-1984. John served faithfully as a member of South City Christian Church in Lake Charles as a teaching and preaching elder until his death.

He worked for Conoco Phillips Refinery for 30 years, retiring as a Lab Technician in 2012. He was a real estate agent and property manager from 2012 until 2016.

Mr. Manning enjoyed family time, his grandchildren, fishing, traveling, and working.

Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful wife of 48 years, Bonnie Rae Hoffpauir Manning, daughter, Brooke Janece Soileau and husband Aaron; son, Johnathan Blane Manning; and daughter, Becca Jenette Manning, all of Lake Charles; three brothers, Kenneth Wayne Manning of Taylorville, Illinois; Dean Allan Racca of Dallas, TX, and Clark Barry Racca of Odessa, TX; one sister, Stephanie McCormic of Dallas, TX; and six grandchildren, Abigail, Nate, Hannah, Seth, Lydia, and Esther Soileau.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Friday, September 1, 2017 from 4 until 8PM, visitation will continue Saturday, September 2nd from 9 to 11AM at South City Christian Church. Funeral services will be at 11AM on Saturday September 2nd, at South City Christian Church under the direction of the funeral home. Brother Dave Lang will officiate. Interment will be at Black Bayou Cemetery.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Jody George (“Cuz”) and his wife Amy for their care, love, and support throughout John’s illness. So many others supported John and his family with prayers, love, visits, and care. We are overwhelmed with gratitude.