July 24, 1960 ~ October 29, 2023 (age 63)
Johnny Allen Jernigan, Sr., age 63, of Whiteville, NC died on Sunday, October 29, 2023, in the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 24, 1960, in Robeson County, NC to Paul Allen Jernigan and Evelyn Loraine Atkinson Jernigan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Jernigan Cruz.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Brenda Nealy Jernigan of the home; his children: April Davis and her husband Eugene of Whiteville, NC, Johnny Jernigan and his wife Tana of Jacksonville, NC, and Donny A. Jernigan of Raleigh, NC; his granddaughters, Alyssa Davis and Emma Davis, both of Whiteville, NC, who were both the apple of their Papa’s eye; his sister, Peggy Long and her husband Coy of Whiteville, NC; and his brother, Timmy Jernigan and his wife Laura of Hickory, NC; and many nieces and nephews.
Johnny was the definition of a hard-worker, and was known to many as his CB handle, “Flash.” He believed that if a man was able to work then that is what he is supposed to do. He made his career of over 40 years as a truck driver both local and long-distance, having travelled all over the United States hauling the products that are needed to make the world go ‘round. Johnny loved being in and around 18 wheelers, often joking that trucking was his first true love.
A man with a big heart, Johnny loved his family and provided for them the best way he could. He cherished the time that he spent with his family, especially taking trips to the mountains and the beach. Johnny attended and was a member of Mt. Calvary Original Free Will Baptist Church in Clarkton. He loved his church, the pastor and the members.
His visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, 68 Mount Calvary Road, Clarkton, NC 28433.
Johnny’s funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, at 2:00p.m. at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Jimmy McNeill. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.
Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City, NC and Bryan Lee Funeral Home of Garner, NC are serving the Jernigan family.
