KITTY HAWK — John Thomas Lancaster passed away on the morning of June 3, 2025, at the age of 84.
John was born in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army. After completing his service, he came to Norfolk, Virginia, where he would meet his late business partner, Paul Shaver. During the mid to late 70s, they would open a series of businesses together in the Tidewater area, including The Blue Light, and OZ, which later turned into The Atlantis.
Soon after, they came to the Outer Banks, where John and Paul’s business acumen intertwined with the Outer Banks’ growing popularity. Names like Barrier Island Station, The Black Pelican, and Nags Head Realty filled their growing roster of businesses, including J. Fleming Munde’s, which would later be acquired by Mike Kelly, turning into Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern. His success here on the Outer Banks led him to meet his business partner and closest friend, Sammy Moore. Together, they opened the hottest spot on the beach, Slammin’ Sammy’s.
At the age of 57, John became a family man. He adopted his wife’s daughter Natalie, taking to fatherhood like a duck to water. Going from managing a restaurant to teaching a child how to ride a bike never fazed him as long as he could make her laugh or try to get them both in trouble. Usually the latter.
In later years, John could often be seen at his home across from Art’s Place on the beach road, sitting out on the porch with friends and reminiscing over a cold beer. Fires on the beach with Tim and Diane Wallace, and Ed Higgins rockin his guitar on his birthdays with his wife Helene. He always welcomed good times and good company. John always kept his radio on, calling one and all to take a load off and relax a while with him.
He is survived by his daughter, Natalie Erin Lancaster, and her mother Cindy Lynn Coughlan. As well as his cherished friend, Sammy Street Moore. Two nieces, Cathy Harrison, who cared for his mother, Myrtle, and Greta Lancaster. Along with the many friends he touched, who are too numerous to mention.
A viewing will be held at Twiford Outer Banks Chapel in Manteo at 11:00 am Monday, June 9, 2025. At 12:00 pm, the procession will leave Twiford’s and ride down beach road to take him to his final resting place in Southern Shores Cemetery, where a graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm.
John’s Facebook page will remain up in memory of him. We encourage anyone who would like to share their stories and photos of John to share them there (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009822642597).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
