HAMLET — John “Johnny” Heyward Autry IV left his earthly home for his Heavenly home surrounded by his family on June 21, 2020.
He spent his Father’s Day with his earthly and Heavenly Father.
Johnny was born on Oct. 1, 1947 in Hamlet.
He served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War with the 82nd Airborne Division and 75th Rangers, during which he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Johnny was a lifetime member of AMVETS Post 316, in which he volunteered in many events.
Johnny started his business, Trinity Straw and Trucking Company, in 1988, which he ran and operated until he passed.
Johnny dedicated his life to the Lord on Aug. 12, 1980. He was a faithful member of Southwood P.H. Church where he served as an elder. Johnny had a giving spirit, he always put others before himself and he loved to witness to others about Jesus.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Southwood Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Randy Guerry officiating, where social distancing will be encouraged. A private family entombment service will be held at Richmond Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John Heyward Autry III and Martha Jane Freeman Autry.
He is survived by his wife and helpmate of 44 years, Carolyn “Cookie,” Stevens Autry, of Hamlet; a son, Jeff Linton (Nancy) of Hamlet; daughters, Kimberly Autry of Hamlet, Krystal Autry (Zeb) of Hamlet, Faith Autry of Rockingham; a sister, Deborah Jean Autry-Dunlap (Robert) of Hamlet; nieces and nephew, Montana, Savannah, and John Robert Dunlap of Hamlet; grandchildren, Caroline Linton Ulisnik (Daniel) of Hampstead, Jonathan Autry Taylor (Morgan) of Rockingham, Harley “Nicki,” Linton of Rockingham, Jeffrey Linton of Rockingham, Kyleigh Edwards of Hamlet, and Kenlee Autry of Rockingham; and one great-grandchild, Teagan Taylor.
There will be a public viewing Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 1-5 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet.
Memorials may be made to AMVETS Post 316 in c/o of John Patrick, 304 Freeman Mill Road, Hamlet, NC 28345.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Online condolences may be at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Autry family.
