Johnny Ray Shearin Sr, 69, resident of Columbia, retired skilled tradesman from General Motors, passed away March 6, 2024 at Maury Regional Medical Center.
Born January 18, 1955, in Chicago Illinois, to Jo Nell Wilkins and the late John Shearin.
He joined the United States Marine Corps where he served in 1973 – 1976. He took immense pride in his service, and that he was able to see the world at such a young age. His claim to fame was, “I got a beer, a pack of cigarettes, and a tattoo in the Philippines for three dollars.”
After the military, he worked at the Fisher Body plant in Chicago, where he met a lot of lifelong friends. When the plant closed, he had to make the decision to uproot the family and make the trip down south, where a plant was being built in Spring Hill. It was almost a no-brainer, as Johnny had spent many summers as a kid, jumping around in barns, fishing in creeks, playing with his cousins, and being baptized in the Bird Song Creek, in the countryside of Tennessee.
Music, motorcycles, and hot rods were Johnny’s lifetime loves. As a talented musician, he enjoyed playing acoustic guitar and a bluesy harmonica. He loved hanging out with a couple of jam bands he would play with during the week. It would be rare to find him without a guitar pick in his pocket.
He passed on his eclectic taste in music to his daughter, and especially to the grandkids, who loved going over, turning on the music real loud, and having a “dance party.” Johnny always had music in his soul. His other hobbies were going on long rides on the Natchez Parkway on his motorcycle, or taking a ride in his bright red Corvette, in which the grandkids called “Pop-Pop’s racing car.”
Johnny was one in a million. The best storyteller. The best jokester. The best handyman. The absolute best Dad. And even more, the most loved Pop-Pop.
In addition to his mother, Johnny is survived by his daughter, Melissa (James) Theesfeld, Son; Johnny Shearin Jr., grandchildren; Westin Theesfeld, Everly Theesfeld, brother; Danny (Cruz) Shearin, sisters; Heather (Dave) Hagee, Heidi (Rodney) Ward, nieces and nephews; Sharlie (Tanner) Woods, James (Jessica) Blackwood, Josh Blackwood, Emmie Blackwood, Danny Shearin.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father John Shearin.
Funeral Services will be conducted Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends before the service time on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 19. Online condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
For more obituaries visit https://maurycountysource.com/obituaries/
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