John Tilden Brittain

John Tilden Brittain, 82, of Connelly Springs, NC passed away on July 4, 2025, after a happy and productive life. John was born on December 12, 1942, to the late Bruce Edward Brittain and Thelma Hildebrand Brittain of Burke County. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Hildebrand Brittain in 1961 and moved to Boone working and attending AppState while Marilyn obtained her degree in education. They then moved to Raleigh where he graduated from North Carolina State University in 1968, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. They moved back to Burke County and John worked as a plant engineer at Great Lakes Carbon for 18 years. He obtained his professional engineering license and went into business for himself before becoming Physical Plant Director at Broughton Hospital for 15 years. He was also a licensed plumber and held a HVAC Mechanic I, II & III license. John valued and loved work and was always busy throughout his life with farming and other endeavors. After retirement, he continued his farming and began restoring classic cars. There was no problem that he couldn’t solve, and he worked his way from very little to build a successful and fulfilling life. However, he never allowed work to take away from what mattered most and treasured his wife, children and grandchildren. Surviving are his sons, Patrick (Julie), Eric (Anna) as well as grandchildren Noah Brittain of Hickory, Grace Brittain of Raleigh, and Jacob Brittain of Hildebran. He is also survived by his two sisters, Judy Young (Will) and Joanne Brooks and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage with Rev. Henry Dammeyer officiating. Interment will follow at Wilkies Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Brittain family.