A native of Houston, Texas and the son of the late Johnnie Louis and Julia B. Charles Sauls, John retired from the U.S. Army after over 20 years of service. He had been employed as a Security Guard at Bibb Manufacturing Company, an Insurance Agent at National Life Insurance Company and as a Correctional Officer at the Columbus Diversion Center. He was a very devout member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church and its Deacon and Finance Ministries. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mrs. Beatrice Pearce Sauls.

Surviving are three sons, John L. Sauls, Jr., Larry Hill and Willie Tanner; one daughter, Julia D. Sauls;; twelve grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Grace Porterfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.