John was born on June 13, 1950, to Landis McNeil Temple and Dorothy Reade Temple in Raleigh, NC and he was a graduate of Broughton High School in 1968. He graduated from NC State University with a BA in Economics in 1973.

John started and ran his own business, Harbor Island Hammocks from 1976 - 2000 at Wrightsville Beach, NC. He was a sales representative for Superior Lamps, Inc. in Mt. Laurel, NJ from 1999 - 2012. John retired from sales with Elite Lighting due to health reasons.

John enjoyed surfing, golfing, running, reading, and eating good food. He loved to watch golf, football and basketball (Wolfpack fan for life). He enjoyed staying at the family beach house at Ocean Isle Beach, NC where he discovered his love of surfing.

He is preceded in death by his father Landis Temple. He is survived by his mother Dorothy Temple, his brothers and their wives: Steve and Debbie Temple, Richard and Dorota Temple, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and Pat King who was his trusted and loving caregiver, especially during his declining health.

A day of celebration of life will be held at the family beach house in Ocean Isle, NC on October 7, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations and memorials be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care. Address is: Wilmington Care Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 in honor of John Walter Temple. John will always be remembered for his kindness, great sense of humor, and fabulous hugs. He will be greatly missed.