When Marvel Comics created their superheroes, they forgot to include one. His name was General. He didn’t wear a cape or possess superhuman strength, yet he lived a truly heroic and extraordinary life.

Born on May 17, 1940 John Wesley Gettys came from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky. (Siblings Mary Anne Gettys, Casey Mullikin) Those simple beginnings never defined him; instead, they became the foundation of a life dedicated to loving others well.

General possessed a remarkable superpower—one that everyone who met him could feel, even if they couldn’t quite put it into words. His gifts were love, kindness, and joy. Not ordinary love, but unconditional love. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone he had just met, you felt welcomed in his presence. It didn’t matter your age, background, appearance, or walk of life. Around General, people felt accepted. They felt seen. They felt heard. And perhaps most importantly, they felt loved.

On Monday, June 29, our beloved superhero began his next journey, leaving our hearts full of his memory. While our hearts ache with his absence, we celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

General’s greatest joy was the life he built with the love of his life, his devoted wife of 63 years, Norine. Together they shared a beautiful marriage rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Side by side, they raised two wonderful daughters, Stephanie Gettys Dixon (Sven Rosengreen) and Wendy Gettys, surrounding them with encouragement, unconditional love, and the confidence to become compassionate, accomplished women. General was endlessly proud—not only of what his daughters achieved, but of the kind, caring people they became.

When his grandson, Ahn Williams (Wendy), was born, General’s heart grew even larger. From the very beginning, the two shared a bond that was unmistakable. Whether they were spending time together, sharing stories, or attending ComicCon, their love for one another was evident to everyone around them. General especially loved soccer, and few things brought him greater happiness than coaching his daughters, coaching numerous girls and women, watching Ahn play and enthusiastically cheering him on.

He enjoyed coffee chats and river walks with his cherished sister Mary Anne. The sibling bond was strong with these two.

Another of General’s greatest joys was gathering each year with his family on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. There, sunrises and sunsets were never simply admired—they were treasured moments shared with the people he loved most. Those quiet moments became lasting memories filled with gratitude, laughter, and love.

General’s greatest superpower was never found in extraordinary abilities. It was found in the extraordinary way he loved people. He made the world gentler, brighter, and more joyful simply by being himself. His kindness lives on in the countless lives he touched, and his legacy will continue through the family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Aloha, dear General. Thank you for showing us what it means to love without condition, to live with joy, and to leave every person better than you found them. Until we meet again, may you rest in perfect peace. We will see you once more, on the other side of the rainbow.

Although we're all grieving, let's celebrate General's life the way he would have wanted on July 25, 2026 from 1 pm to 4 pm at The Gathering at Northern Hills, 460 Fleming Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Fernside Center for Grieving Children or Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.