John Howard Proctor

1931 - 2013

John Howard Proctor obituary, 1931-2013, Williamsburg, VA

FUNERAL HOME

Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg

3785 Strawberry Plains Rd.

Williamsburg, Virginia

John Proctor Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 29, 2013.

John Howard Proctor, 82, noted industrial and organizational psychologist died November 28, 2013 at his home.

Dr. Proctor is preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Proctor Parker, his step-son Christopher L. Crye and his parents John C. and Carolyn Hancher-Slade Proctor. He is survived by his wife Karen (KJ) Boyer Proctor and his children: Susan Carol Proctor King, John Christopher Proctor, James Alexander Proctor, John Boyer Crye and Daniel Danckwerth He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Proctor Turner, 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Proctor earned a BS degree from Davidson College, and a Masters and PhD from Purdue University. During his life he served as Chaplain, Patrick Henry Chapter #34 Disabled American Veterans (Korean War Veteran); was a Life Fellow of the Washington Academy of Sciences, serving a term as President; Life Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, serving as Secretary General, 1983-1996; Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences and a Full Foreign Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He was a member of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Division 14 of the American Psychological Association and Organizational Affiliate of the American Psychological Society and a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Proctor worked with several government agencies in the areas of productivity, organization, the war on drugs, change of command procedures, and helped to write the escape and evasion manuals used in the Vietnam War as senior technical advisor to the Air Force at Eglin AFB, Florida. He was the principal in Data Solutions Corporation (1974-1983) and currently as President of John H. Proctor & Associates, LLC. He is the author of four books and over 70 monographs, articles, technical manuals and blogs.

Known for his deep bass voice, Dr. Proctor sang with several choral groups in the Washington area, participating in the recording of Rachmaninoff's Vespers with Maestro Mistaslav Rastropovich. He also sang in Rachmaninoff Hall, Moscow, Russia in 1991 with the select choir from Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia and performed solos in Moscow, Bryansk and Kyursk, Russia and Odessa, Ukraine from 1991-2011.

A member of Walnut Hills Baptist Church, Williamsburg, Virginia, he served as an Adult Bible Study teacher, member of the Wednesday morning Men's Prayer Group and the Sanctuary Choir. As an ordained Deacon he began to dedicate himself to missions around the world in his early 60's. His work with Grace Baptist Church, Odessa, Ukriane and the support of the Children's Shelter and Transition House were his great loves.

Dr. Proctor held the distinction of being the youngest Eagle Scout in North Carolina in the 1940s having to wait a year to be old enough to receive the award.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 6, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Sanctuary Choir of Walnut Hills Baptist Church, Williamsburg, Virginia or to the ministry of Grace Baptist Church, Odessa, Ukraine through the supervision of Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

May 14, 2014

Love you Dad.....just saying. :) All our love to you. It's "Just past Mother's Day" and I'm just missing you more a bit. Hearing your deep laugh. Feeling you hug me. All our love...Go Davidson! :) Your daughter Carol

December 19, 2013

Pat Peebles

Dearest KJ and Family,
The news of John's death was truly a sad time for me having lost Tommy in August. (Am sure they had a great reunion!) My prayers for you are ongoing and may GOD continue to bless you and your mission here on earth.
Love in Christ, Pat

December 16, 2013

Pam Clark

Dearest KJ, One of God's most priceless gifts is the people He brings into our lives. We continue to thank Him every day for the opportunity to be friends with you and John. Don still talks about the wonderful times with the "3 amigos" and we cherish these memories in our hearts and replay them in our stories of great times of joy in our lives. Our arms are surrounding you with love, Pam Clark

December 15, 2013

Matt Dick

John was such a rare, kind man. I will always miss those days (and late nights) at the guest house, his patience, his voice and his smile.

Love,
Matt Dick

December 14, 2013

Nancy Roepke

Dearest KJ, I had no idea about John's passing until today. I'm so sorry to hear this. I will always remember his voice and his wonderful sense of caring and humor. My love to you.

December 14, 2013

Sandy Reese

I didn't get to know John on a personal level. But in reading about him and meeting his family members it would appear I missed out on getting to know a remarkable man. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May God's love embrace you at this time of loss.

December 14, 2013

Don Moore

John will always be "Opie" to me and I recall with fond memories our "prayer meetings" with "Bubba" Tomas! Opie was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in heavenly peace my friend.

December 14, 2013

Clinton E. Trammel

KJ and family: One of the things I will always remember about John was the way he made people feel at ease. It is rare to know a man who was so accomplished and so at ease with himself. John was such a man. God bless you and your family.

December 14, 2013

John and I first met over 35 years ago. As a client, mentor, friend and golfing partner, John was first and foremost interested in your life, caring and concerned for your well being. I valued his friendship and was honored to spend quality time with him. There will never be another like him. Know that he was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Lew Christian, Oakton, Va.

December 14, 2013

Jason,Mary,Tyra,Haylee,Jase Brown

We are so sorry for your loss.

December 14, 2013

Dear KJ, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing, I will always remember the good times of fellowship and working in the food pantry at Columbia Baptist. I always thought of you two as second parents

December 14, 2013

Dear KJ and Family, Jesse and I have know John for a number of years. We traveled together, played cards, ate, played games and hugged when needed to cheer up each other. We love and will always love our dear friend. May God watch over each of you. KJ, we love you and you will always be in our prayers. The Heavenly choir gained a marvelous bass singer. Love always, Jesse and Bernice Carter

December 14, 2013

Pam Trantham

KJ, The greatest thing that can be said about Mr. John is that he was a great Christian man. He was admired and loved by all of us in Odessa, Ukraine and we will miss that smiling face. Please come to see us again when you are able. Ray, Pam, Sasha, Regina, Emily, Derrel and Rena

December 13, 2013

Dan & Tere Hall

For all John's abilities and accomplishments, he was a humble, generous, and gregarious individual who loved God, his family, friends, and life in general. His warmth, friendship and example to others in so many areas will be missed but not forgotten.

December 13, 2013

Katie Jones

Dearest KJ and family,

John was a treasure to me and so many. I will miss him.

Love, Katie

December 10, 2013

Carol Proctor King

Dear KJ, We were glad to be there with you, family and so many good friends. Lunch afterwards with Pastor Igor Badura from Odessa was great. It was such an honor to have him there and speaking at Dad's service. Dad was such an inspiration to so many! He will always be remembered for the love he shared and how much he cared for everyone in his life. He taught me so much about working hard, love, life and even family! Spending time with him last July along with John C and Bob is special in our hearts. All our hugs and love with you and always, Love Carol and Mette

December 6, 2013

lorri & noel veden

Dear KJ and Family ...
The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. John was all this and more... he will be missed... to be absent from this place is to be present with the Lord... thinking of all of you... God's love and ours

December 6, 2013

Kristen

Unfortunately, I never knew of Dr. Proctor until I saw the title of his obituary in the WYDaily news email I get and clicked on it to read more about this man who sounded so interesting. What a life! What a wonderful person with amazing accomplishments and huge contributions to this world. He obviously made the world a better place, and I hope his loved ones can take comfort in that. It must have been a difficult Thanksgiving for you all, but I will sit here at home and give thanks that even though I never met or heard of Dr. Proctor until now, he existed and did good in this world. God bless you all!

December 4, 2013

Cheryl Pool

Dr. Proctor will be greatly missed at the club. His infectious smile and ready wit were always greatly cherished by all. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

December 4, 2013

Keith & Brigitte Ferris

Dear KJ and Family, Brigitte and I are saddened to learn of John Proctor's death.
It is a pleasure to remember John. He was such an accomplished man. So accomplished that it would be fair for me to be humbled in his presence. Instead I was made to feel comfortable with his treatment of me as a friend. Perhaps just being kind, he always gave me the impression that I had some knowledge or expertise that was interesting and valuable to him. I know though that I was clearly the winner in gaining from his knowledge and kindness.
You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.

December 3, 2013

Frank Kapper Jr

KJ, Anita and I are so sorry for your loss. John was a highly admired and thought of public figure. But more importantly he was a greatly loved father, husband and friend to all. His quick wit, caring soul and jovial laugh will always be remembered fondly.

December 2, 2013

Rufus Stark

KJ,Betty Lou and I join you in giving thanks for the life of Howard. He was a great friend. We grew up in the same neighborhood in Greenville and enjoyed our growing up times. His devotion to our 49ers has been a blessing to us all. I am amazed at the accomplishments of his life. His rich bass voice proved a "door opener" for him with Baptist Churches in Russia. We hold you and family in our prayers. Love, Rufus

December 2, 2013

Jay Parker

Dear KJ,
Patty and I were truly saddened to hear of John's passing. I always enjoyed his great sense of humor and valued highly the times when our paths overlapped. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

December 2, 2013

KJ Proctor

Posted by KJ Proctor

December 2, 2013

Bobbi Walker-Foley

Dear KJ and Family, How sad to hear of John's passing. I had the honor to work with him for several years, attended your Christmas Party in Vienna and we visited your home in Williamsburg. He touched so many lives, especially me and my children. John even played Santa on the phone to my youngest when she was going through a hard time. I will never forget his optimism and his love for life. This world has lost a wonderful man who will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Sending lots of love, good memories of a wonderful man and prayers.

December 1, 2013

Dear KJ,
How saddened we were to learn of John's passing. My long association with him was with the Washington Academy of Sciences; he was an excellent scientist who stood out for his efforts in bringing scientists from around the world together. Know that he has left a lasting legacy.
Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to you and the family.
With sympathy, Dr. and Mrs. John G. Honig. (Bethesda, MD)

December 1, 2013

KJ, Shocking news. I am so sorry for your loss. John and you were a great help to me in my time of grief. Gob bless you! Love you, Jim Hardin

November 30, 2013

Please know how sorry I am. Raby spoke often of his high school fun days with Howard. They had a very special group of friends in that class. Just the BEST! The wonderful spirit that was with them will be with us always.
Jane Edwards (Morehead City, NC)

November 30, 2013

Sydney Riddle

Dear KJ and Family, I am saddened to learn of John's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. May our circle of DAR friendship grow even stronger in this time of sadness.

November 30, 2013

Terri Bolt

KJ we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss John so very much. We are here for you to lean on. We are praying for you. God bless you and your family. Terri Bolt

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