Obituary of Johnnie Lee Sullivan

Spencer, TN-Mr. Johnnie Lee Sullivan, age 88 of the Piney Community in Van Buren County, passed from this life on Saturday April 4, 2020 at Generations of Spencer from an extended illness. Johnnie was born June 6, 1931, in Spencer to the late Walter Lee and Novella Greene Sullivan. He was a loving Daddy, Pa, Great Grandpa and Great-Great Grandpa. He worked in Heavy Construction, a Logger and Sawmill Operator. He was also a former Sheriff of Van Buren County. After retiring, his hobby was chicken trading. This earned him the nicknames “Chicken John” and “Ole Chicken Trader”. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially loved when the little ones came to visit. Johnnie was married to Thelma Walling Sullivan for 63 years before her passing in 2018. In addition to his loving wife and parents, he was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Debbie Sullivan, Baby Sister Dora Belle Sullivan, Brother Alton Sullivan, Sister & Brother-in-law Loudean and Elmer Martin, Brother & Sister-in-law Dan and Frances Sullivan, Sister & Brother-in-law Sue and Jr. Rigsby, Brother-in-law Jr. Clendenon. Johnnie is survived by his four sons: David Sullivan, Darrell (Linda) Sullivan, Don (Diane) Sullivan and Doug (Tammy) Sullivan. Sisters; Betty Doris (Willard) Forsythe, Shirley Clendenon and Vella (Dan) Sellars. Eleven grandchildren; Brandy (Keith) Delon, Johnathan Sullivan, Sky Hinshaw, Holly (R. J.) McKinney, Justin (Sarah) Sullivan, Zack Sullivan, Corie Sullivan, Cordell Sullivan, Sydney Sullivan and Adrian Sullivan. Fifteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law Betty Lou Sullivan. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. A graveside service will be held Monday April 6, 2020 at 2:00pm in the Shockley Cemetery with Bro. Wayne Sullivan officiating. There will be a short visitation and viewing time, at the cemetery, from 1:30pm till service time at 2:00pm. Send condolences to the family at www.laynefuneralhome.com Layne Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Spencer in charge of arrangements. (931) 946-4444