John Joseph "Lip" LaTorre, Jr., 97, of Mt. Pleasant, SC passed away on August 10, 2026. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at Christ Our King Church, 1149 Russell Dr., Mt Pleasant, SC, at 10:30 AM with interment following at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

John was born in Charleston, SC on April 28, 1929 son of the late John J. LaTorre, Sr. and Margaret McDonald LaTorre. He graduated from Bishop England High School and the University of South Carolina. After college he served his country in the United States Navy. A devout Catholic, John was a member of Christ Our King Church for over seventy years.

John worked for several years as a coach at Bishop England High School in the 1950s before leaving to pursue a career in the transportation industry, where he worked for over forty years. After retirement, he continued to stay busy working as a Ranger at Wild Dunes Golf Course, a job he enjoyed until his late 80s.

John excelled as an athlete. He attended the University of South Carolina on football and basketball scholarships. He was the first athlete to letter in both basketball and football at the University. He received many awards in football while at USC. After college he played football for the US Navy team.

A lifelong and devoted Gamecock football fan, John traveled to all of the home games and many away games well into his late 80s. He was a member of the Gamecock Club for over 50 years, as well as the USC Lettermen’s Association and the USC Alumni Association. His love of sports and the East Cooper community led him to play an instrumental role in the formation of the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department.

John was a very devoted father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his three daughters, Dora LaTorre, Lynn Fortenberry, Joyce King; his four grandchildren, John Russell Fortenberry (Brianna), Margaret King, Pearson King, Marie Ouzts; great-grandchild, Sawyer Fortenberry; special friend, Eula Finn; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his son, Stephen (Randy) LaTorre, and his brothers, Walter, Michael, and Joseph LaTorre.

John never met a stranger and will be remembered fondly by his many friends, coworkers, golf buddies, and especially by his Monday night poker group.

A special thank you to the VA Home Based Care Program, Lutheran Hospice and Home Care Plus. We are very grateful to his caregivers, Ernestine Joyner and Willie Mae McCormick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Christ Our King Church and Disabled American Veterans Organization.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com