Johnnie Murray

Johnnie Murray, 90 of Cookeville, passed from this life on Friday February 1, 2024, after an extended battle with dementia. He was a resident of The Waters Health Care Facility in Gainesboro, TN, and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was born March 19, 1933 to Haywood Murray and America Jane Nash Murray. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and mother of his children, Ruby Mathis Murray and his second wife, Essie Mae Cole Murray.

He is survived by his daughters, Tina Walker of Jacksonville, Florida and Teresa Parris of Cookeville. He has five grandchildren, Tim Walker of Jacksonville, Pamela Walker Hughes (Albert) of Jacksonsville, Sheena Fox (James) of Cookeville, Mandy Gambrell (Brandon) of Manchester, Tennessee, and Mariah Adkins (Jared) of Shelbyville, Tennessee. He has six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Parris, Albert Hughes, Lucas Hughes, Oliver Fox, and Otto Fox.

Johnnie was a farmer of tobacco, cattle, and hogs. Even in the grip of dementia, he found joy of farming in his mind. His mules and horses were fond topics of conversation and he was a wonderful story-teller.

He was a member of Wilhite Baptist Church and served as a decades long trustee and then honorary trustee of West Cemetery.

A funeral service honoring Johnnie will be at 11 a.m. Monday February 5 at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Miles will officiate. Interment will follow at West Cemetery in the Burgess Falls Community. His family will receive friends Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. and again Monday from 9 a.m. until service time.

For the last 6 years, Johnnie has been a resident of the Waters Health Care Facility in Gainesboro, TN. His family thanks all the staff and caregivers for their excellent care and attention.

Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-7158 Share condolences and memories at www.dyerfh.com.