RIP John “Springer” Kuhns: 1964-2020

By: Len “3Wheel” Montgomery

t’s hard to lose a friend under

any circumstances. Losing a brother to a bike crash is a sudden jolt to your senses. It seems surreal, knowing you had just spent time with them days earlier, playing guitar and singing a few classics that always evoke memories. And now those same songs will stir even more precious memories.

John “Springer” Kuhns was a Road Captain with 301 Brothers RC in Four Oaks. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, and a friend to so many. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

I’ve struggled with how to write this article. Springer loved God and his family. He recently was telling me about teaching his grandson how to work on a motor. He was so proud that he could remember the three things need to start any motor or engine: compression, combustion, ignition. He was such an upbeat, happy soul that one person could hardly tell his story. So, what I’ve done is to ask his club brothers and sisters to share a memory that can give you a glimpse into just who he was and what a loss all that knew him will feel for some time.

Moonshine: My best memories were when he was playing my guitars the other night. Other than that, was when he got his bike fixed and was smiling for a week over it. But I always loved the excitement and enthusiasm in his voice and his allaround demeanor. And let’s not forget about his flailed attempt to moon me. LOL

Flame: I will always remember his smile and how happy he was every time one of his brothers or sisters walked through the door at the club house. And that walk he had when he went to greet them for a hug.

Yankee Mike: Springer was so appreciative that I got him a battery tender. You would have thought I’d given him the key to the kingdom. Makes me wish I would’ve joined sooner and known him longer.

Stumpy: Most people won’t know what I mean, but some have seen me make my lip quiver. Well, I always knew I could get a grin out of Springer with that little quiver. He loved it. And I’m going to miss him!

Rockie: Springer, I didn’t know you that long but your “contagious smile” will forever be in my heart!

Cole Train: I have so many good memories. My favorite memory was when he finally got his bike fixed. I took him to get it. When he heard that bike crank up in person, the look on his face was priceless. Then I followed him until I had to turn off to go to my house to get my bike so I could go meet

up with him. When I finally got to The Spring, he was standing there with a smile still on his face. Then he said, “Gigitty Gigitty.”

Tater: I didn’t know Springer long, but he always made you feel so loved with his hugs and smiles! He just loved his friends/family.

Hawg: There are so many memories, but I always liked that competitiveness that he had. And how serious he would get when he got a pool cue in his hand. Or even playing corn hole over at Dorsey and Crisco’s. He so wanted to win! Heck of a nice guy!

Pigpen: I will always remember when Springer would stay at the house. We thought so much of him that we gave him his own bedroom. When he would stay overnight and get up the next morning, Wolfey would tell him to go collect the eggs from the chicken house and she would cook breakfast. And he would take off with his little basket and collect the eggs. He seemed to enjoy that. Wolfey and I are going to miss him so much. It breaks my heart to write this, but it’s a memory I will never forget.

T-Sheila: Springer’s goal was to make everyone feel acknowledged and included in a group situation. He had a set of maybe 10 stories he told everyone over and over…if you’ve heard these, my hope is he’s enjoying his “shine-ussian” in the sky!

Dorsey: Springer was spending the night so we could get up early on Sunday to take meals to the churches for Thanksgiving. Crisco left her boots out, so I put them away. The next morning, he couldn’t find his boots. I even had a flashlight looking under the bed for them. I offered to loan him a pair, and if he had accepted, I would have found his boots. He was so upset he went home in his socks. Crisco added: Dorsey

thought they were my boots and put them in my closet!! Lol, we searched high and low for them damn boots!!!

Tricky Rick: The best memory I have is when Gregg hid his boots. Springer was one mad puppy. He went home in his socks. He will haunt Gregg over that one! LOL 3Wheel: Springer and I had many good times and we were always ready to lend a hand if the other called. On his last birthday I told him to stay at my home. Sometime between late that night and early the next morning he got hungry and tried to fix a bowl of cereal. I found the box open and sideways on the counter and cocoa crispies all over the floor. He had mis- placed his keys. And yes, his boots were MIA again as well. The weekend before his accident he came over to watch me cook three pork shoulders. He grabbed my guitar and started singing. He had written a song many years ago and love to share it with everyone! The neighbors were out walking the neighborhood and would stop and listen from the street. I’m going to miss his grin and him slyly saying, “Gigitty Gigitty.” And ending each phone call with, “Peace.”

Finally, his mother, Patricia Plues, posted on Facebook something I felt was the perfect ending for this remembrance of Springer. “A friend said, Don’t dwell on how he died, but on how he lived”. Such wonderful advice. He lived his life as it came along. Which is a verse in the song he wrote. At the end of his song he says, “I’ve Gone home.” He truly has. We love you Johnny.”