Johnny Dolye Gathright, Jr. was born December 29, 1948, in Hutting, Arkansas to the late Johnny Doyle Gathright, Sr. and Mary Emogene (Hunter) Gathright. Johnny graduated from Hutting High School in 1967 and continued his education at the University of Arkansas studying forestry. In 1970, Johnny enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Johnny had a stellar military career where he trained as a Perishing Communication Specialist with the Pershing Nuclear Missile System (MOS); he was a 31D40 track 80 operator and team chief with the rank of Sergeant which was the primary communication used to deliver the launch code for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System. He was assigned to Neu Ulm Germany 1st battalion 81st Artillery Willey Barracks Delta Battery Commo Platoon and was awarded a unit citation award the Pershing Professional Certificate and Pocket Rocket for outstanding performance of his duties. He also qualified and served on the 7th Army 5-man pistol team and competed in the 1971 International Small Arms and the P Competition at Graffenuar, Germany. Johnny worked as a forester for Plum Creek Timber Company before retiring after 44 years of dedicated service. Johnny loved fishing and hunting with family and friends. After moving to Mountain View, Arkansas, a town he loved dearly, he became a member of Arbanna Baptist Church where he loved to fellowship and was a powerful witness for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He enjoyed great preaching, Bible teaching, working at the church camp and studying from the 1611 King James Bible. His love of working landscape designs produced beautiful flowers and a passion for helping his neighbors and friends with their yard work needs. Johnny loved listening to talented musicians and fellowship around Mountain View Pickin Park and the courthouse stage.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years whom he married on November 18, 1972, Effie Rose Pyle Gathright; his nephew, Jared Gathright; great-nieces, Madison Gathright and Natalie Gathright who lovingly referred to him as Pappy; sister, Dorothy Poole, and brother, John Paul Gathright; along with many extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Doyle Gathright, Sr. and Mary Emogene (Hunter) Gathright; brothers, Earnest Jene Gathright, and Donald Wayne Gathright.
Visitation is Monday, April 22, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM at Arbanna Baptist Church in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services follow the visitation beginning at 2:00 PM with Brother Jim Chandler officiating. Interment is at Flatwoods Cemetery in Mountain View, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Mark Davisson, Jared Gathright, Bob Poole, Lucien Casey, Ladd Sims, Bruce Johnson, and Kyle Ellis.
Honorary Pallbearers are Willie Stiles, Dr. Andy Subramanium, Billy Wolfe, Don Norman, Bob Byrd, Danny Baldridge, Randall Norris, Jimmy Brumfield, Keith Jessen, and Jim Wood.
