John Quick

John Orion Quick, beloved son of John Willie and Beulah Virginia Moore Quick was born in Washington, District of Columbia on November 4, 1946. John transitioned from mortal to immortality the afternoon of Sunday, February 14, 2021. Finding respite in the hands of God, John now belongs to the ages. From his time as a toddler, “Butch” (family nickname) spent a ritual of summers in the loving and protective care of his maternal grandparents, the late Henry and Saluda Walden Guy Moore. There within the wonderous, backwoods family homeplace, known as “Lambertson” in Northampton County, North Carolina, was the freedom of taking a weekly country bath, being the only child captive to some 30 older inquiring first cousins, exploring giant trees and acres of land and discovering farm animals, a huge vegetable garden and harnessed race horses. Then there was the occasional adventure of jostling on the back of the slow-moving mule drawn farm wagon for a trip to the nearby town of Rich Square with his aging grandfather. Surrounded by a plethora of powerful and authoritative uncles and what he later described as the most gorgeous, adoring aunts, John cataloged precious memories and thousands of photogenic expressions of love, strenuous work, family heritage, and a reassertion of self-worth and individual dignity. By all accounts, John Quick was gifted with an incredible sense of wonder which remained a constant throughout his lifetime. His formal education began in the District of Columbia public education system, commencing at Central State University, in Wilberforce, Ohio. John Quick was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Following college, John Quick was employed by International Business Machines (IBM). As a result, he relocated on assignment to Ohio, New York, Washington and Atlanta. A natural-born risk taker, John rejected the unseen boundaries as well as the inherent limitations of corporate America by rising to the call of self-empowerment through dedicated entrepreneurship. As a franchisee of Bojangles, Incorporated, John Quick operated restaurants in the metro Atlanta area for several years before founding a string of successful corporate entities including American Food Distributors, Atlanta Investments, Southern Coach and the jewel in the crown, American Van Rental, Inc. In its heyday, American Van Rental was the largest independently-owned lessor of specialty vehicles in the Southeast, servicing the transportation needs of the military, as well as Fortune 500 companies, to include DHL, Georgia Power, IBM, and the Masters/PGA (Professional Golf Association). John Quick’s admiration for simplicity knew no bounds. A true creature of habit, John rarely strayed from routine. Outside of work, John was an amazing storyteller. No one on the planet could weave a story quite like John Quick! A lover of the written word, John was an avid reader. He collected quotes and published his impressive collection annually under the moniker “Quick Quotes”. In later years, nothing was more soothing to the soul of John Quick impromptu road trips along winding Georgia backroads (he loved horses and old barns). A true original with a heart of gold, John left an indelible impression on every life within his reach. John Quick was predeceased by his parents, his former wife, Judith-Hall Quick and godson Donald R. Madden II. Mr. Quick is survived by the guardian of his legacy and benefactor of a truly incredible love story that ended hand in hand, his wife, Tracey; his namesake and cherished only child, John O. Quick II; three step-children, Edward Berry, BJ Fleming and Courtney Fleming-Davis; two step-grandchildren who were truly the joy of his desire, Jordan Fleming and John’s partner-in-crime, Elise Berry who was the source of ongoing comic relief during the final decade of his life. John is also survived by a special cousin who was more like a sister, Gloria Grant Olds; a brother-in-love, Colonel Donald R. Madden, Sr.; fraternity brothers who stood beside him through it all, David Henderson, Sr. and William O. Wagstaff, II; and a host of extended family members, colleagues, neighbors and friends. John adored children, horses and dogs. To those who knew him, it should come as no surprise that he left behind a pack of spoiled four-legged companions: TJ Maxx, Colton, Skittles and Coco. Special thanks to Ms. Pamela Askew, John’s devoted caregiver, Cynthia Shell, Hollie Blair and the entire staff of Sacred Journey Hospice. Your collaborative efforts were truly a blessing during John’s illness. In accordance with John’s wishes, no funeral services are scheduled. Memorial plans will be announced at a later date.