Johnnie Ray Spradley's Obituary
Johnnie Ray Spradley went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 15, 2021. Johnnie was born in Carthage Texas on August 6, 1934 to John Harvey Spradley and Dora Dean Bounds Spradley, who preceded him in death. Johnnie Ray married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Garton, on August 31, 1956. To this union were born two children, Johnnie Forrest and Karen Denise.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, sister Jackie Malone, son Forrest and wife Dawn, daughter Karen Aldredge, grandsons Blaine Spradley and wife Candace, Zach Aldredge and wife Meghan, Clay Spradley and wife Megan, and granddaughter Kacy Bristol and husband Daniel, as well as 8 great grandchildren. He loved his family second only to the Lord.
Johnnie, or J.R. as he was known to his friends, graduated from Carthage High School in 1953, Panola Jr. College in 1955, and SFA in 1957 with a degree in accounting. He was employed at Texas Eastman and after 35 years of service, retired to spend more time with his family and travel with his wife, Mary. They went on several different trips across the U.S. and enjoyed meeting new people. He also spent many years coaching baseball.
Johnnie loved the word of God and spent much time studying the Bible. He and Mary Ellen spent many hours studying and discussing God's word. In his latter years, he looked forward to the return of Christ. He no longer has to wait because he is now in His presence. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Arabella, Davita on 4th street and Heartsway Hopsice for the care and compassion that was shown to our husband, father and grandfather.
Graveside services will be 2pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in the mausoleum at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview. He will be instate Tuesday, January 19, 2021 12pm-8pm at Rader Funeral Home, Longview.
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