December 13, 2020
Johnnie Cripps, Jr., beloved father, grandfather and brother went to be reunited with the love of his life, his wife Shirley, on the 12th of December, 2020.
Johnnie was a faithful member of the Smithville Church of Christ and served in the capacity of deacon and treasurer for many years.
During his more mobile days, Johnnie enjoyed watching first his children and then his grandchildren in their athletic and artistic endeavors. He was one of their biggest fans and was proud of their accomplishments, always ready to brag about them to any ear willing to listen.
Johnnie was sure to have a garden every summer and was always faithful to share its abundance with neighbors and the elderly in his church family. Delivering the fruits of his labors and taking the time to visit with its recipients was an important part of his life. It was such an important part that when he was no longer able to tend the garden himself, he made sure to sit garden-side and direct his son, Scott, on just how the garden should be laid out and nurtured.
As he grew older and became unable to get around and about under his own steam, making daily calls to family, friends and members of his church family became his mission. His calls ranged from just “checking in” to “offering words of encouragement” to those who were ill or in need of a kind word. If any of those he called needed help, he was quick to let them know that his son Scott was ready and willing to help in his stead.
Politics was one of Johnnie’s biggest passions, much to his late wife Shirley’s chagrin. He was ever a faithful supporter of the few politicians that were able to win his trust and, if you gave him the chance, he would tell you all about it. He was in the Army and served in the Korean War.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11am at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Dan Gulley will officiate with burial to follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from 4pm-8pm and on Tuesday from 9am until the service time at 11am. Due to Covid-19 precautions, the family has mandated masks to be worn by all visitors, and social distance measures will be observed. We are not accepting food in our funeral home kitchen facilities.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tammy (& Steve) Williams and Scott (& Gena) Cripps. His grandchildren, Brenna Williams and Loren & Tyree Cripps. His sister, Brenda Cripps. His sister-in-law, Linda Glenn. His brothers in law, M.B. Silcox and Glen Dodson. Several nieces and nephews.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Cripps, Sr. and Potter Taylor Cripps. His sisters, Jeanette Dodson and Judy Silcox. His brothers, James “Curly” (& Chloa) Cripps, Jerry “Worm” Cripps and Gene (& Brenda) Cripps.
In addition to flowers, donations can be made to Church of Christ Work Camp or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.