John Day Obituary

John Day

Died: July 15, 2025

John Perry Day passed away peacefully at his home in Banner Elk, NC on July 15, 2025, with his wife Maura at his side holding his hand.

He was born in Wilson, NC, in 1944, son of John L. Day and Jane Day, and grew up in Burlington, NC. As an adult, John Perry Day divided his time between the mountains of North Carolina (Banner Elk) and the city of Fort Lauderdale.

He has been contributing to the economic, tourism, and philanthropy of Fort Lauderdale since 1970 when he first arrived. With his 12 restaurants (including Coconuts, Mangos, Friends, Bojangles, Chuck's Steak House, Bahia Cabana, etc.), singing and entertainment career, and his passion for philanthropy and charitable causes, John contributed tirelessly with his energy and love to helping people. John is well known for his incredible ability to sing, has written his own songs, produced records and CD's, sung with the Beach Boys, Connie Francis, Frank Loconto and was the opening act for not just the Beach Boys but also Rod Stewart, Hauling Oats and Chicago. With his knowledge of the wine industry and writing for a wine magazine in France, John created the famous Wines of the World Symphony Dinner. It was hugely successful and continued for years as an annual event in Fort Lauderdale raising substantial funds for the Symphony of The Americas. He was CEO of The Symphony of the Americas from 1998-2000, and also served on the boards of Stranahan House, Henderson Mental Health, The Humane Society with Marti Huizenga, a special Children's flying event, and the Christian Blind Mission ( hosting fundraising events at his home which raised thousands of dollars, enabling eye operations to take place in poor countries around the world, giving the gift of vision.

John had a passion for flying and sailing, owning a plane and several sailboats over the years. As a pilot, he had over 3,000 hours in the sky, as well as 25,000 miles at sea as a sea captain. When you meet John, and with his language expertise in French and German as well, you immediately have a friend for life. While in Fort Lauderdale, John used to walk the beach each morning. Passing cars would sound their horns and wave, and the name John was called out frequently as Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors said hello.

As described by Travel Host Magazine ". …. He has played guitar and sang songs all his life but it was in the 70's that he became a legend…. "You'd think this many projects to juggle" (all the restaurants, singing, entertainment, charity work), John Day would be too busy to meet newcomers or remember your name…Actually he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet!"

His passion to help others through his special talents of singing, hospitality, events and restaurant businesses resulting in his always giving back. He had a heart of gold and was well recognized and loved by the citizens of Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale was a richer community because he was a part of it.

We will miss him!

He is survived by his wife Maura Brassil Day as well as two sons (from a previous marriage) Christian Day (currently living in Banner Elk, NC) and Alex Day (currently living in Auburn, AL with his wife Samantha) plus a brother Robert (Bob) Day (currently living in Lighthouse Point, FL with his wife Denise), a sister Becky Day Orr (currently living in Lighthouse Point, FL), and a niece Michelle Day Russell (currently living with her husband Tony in Pompano Beach, FL).

Services for John will be held July 25 at 1:00 Banner Elk Presbyterian Church officiated by Reverend Mike McCracken.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Day family.