Two words describe the late John Henry Mann, Jr. – loyal and dedicated, his longtime friend Ronnie Adams says.
Mann, a lifelong Amherst County resident who was deeply involved in youth sports in the county for much of his life, died in April at age 70. An umpire, coach, driving instructor and member of the county’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Mann’s life was marked by a deep and abiding commitment to the community, according to his family and friends.
Sarah Hunt and Amy Wray, daughters of John Henry Mann Jr. stand next to the sign memorializing the Monroe ballfield in their dad's honor on Sept. 14.Â
Photo by Justin Faulconer, New Era-Progress
A view of the John Mann Athletic Field in Monroe on Sept. 14, 2026.Â
Justin Faulconer
Ronnie Adams speaks about the life of his longtime friend, John Mann Jr., at the dedication of the Monroe ball field in Mann's honor on Sept. 14.Â
Photo by Justin Faulconer, New Era-Progress
Sarah Hunt and Amy Wray, daughters of John Henry Mann Jr. stand next to the sign memorializing the Monroe ballfield in their dad's honor on Sept. 14.Â
Photo by Justin Faulconer, New Era-Progress
John Mann Jr.Â
In this September 2020 file photo, John Mann (center) loads up a truck for Neighbors Helping Neighbors. John Ingram, left, and Alfred Mays, right, also are pictured volunteering for the Madison Heights nonprofit outreach. Mann was a huge UVa sports fan, as shown by his ballcap.Â
Lee Luther Jr.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteer John Mann pushes a cart full of food while wearing a face mask at the Madison Heights nonprofit in September 2020.Â
