Johnny Hartness, 80, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
Johnny was born Aug. 16, 1941, in Danville, Va., to Robert and Eva Panther Hartness.
He moved to Murphy in 1947 when he was 6 years old.
He was a loving husband, father and “mepaw.”
Johnny had been a propane manager since 1960 but had retired in 2019.
He was an active participant in WNC Wagon Train for many years, and in 2019 had won “Prettiest Team Award.” Johnny was also a lifetime member of Mountain Coonhunters Association and a member of Unaka Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Morley Hartness of the home of 58 years and dated six years prior to that. Johnny is also survived by a daughter, Johnna “Shelly” Shope and husband Buck of Murphy; sons, Keith Hartness and Jason Hartness of Murphy; sister, Lois Taylor of the home; brother, Jerry Hartness and wife Marilyn of Murphy; grandchildren John Hall and wife Crystal of Blairsville, Ga., Kyle Hall and wife Lauren of Blairsville, Ga., Daniel Hartness and wife Rachel of Newton, N.C., Corey Luther of Marble, Whitney Tanner and husband Timmy of Blairsville, and Riley Crisp of Chapel Hill; and great-grandchildren, Heath Hall, Louanna Hall, Ruby Hall, Ty Tanner, Marvin Hall and Wyatt Tanner.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Dr. Chester Jones and the Rev. Deron Shuler officiated. Burial was in the Unaka Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Hall, Kyle Hall, Daniel Hartness, Donnie Palmer, Brandon Thompson and Charles Hartness. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Killian, Alvin Kephart and Farley Kephart.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.