Johnny Dennis Farmer

Long-time local pastor and lover of Jesus, Johnny Dennis Farmer, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024.  

Johnny was born on January 25, 1950, in Dresden, TN, into the loving care of parents, Paul and Helen Farmer.  He lived in Cottage Grove until he was eight years old and then resided in Springville until his departure.  He graduated within the Top Ten of his class from Springville School in 1968, and then married the former Marian Tyler on April 25, 1970.

Johnny spent 30+ years in construction, working on residential and commercial structures throughout northwest Tennessee.  At the age of 50, he surrendered to the preaching/ pastoring ministry, a call the Lord had placed on his life two decades earlier.  With this surrender, Johnny began to avail himself to God‘s divine plan and became the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Paris.  He served Bethany from 2001 - 2024, resigning the pastorate upon his failing health.

Johnny wore many labels, but his role as a husband, dad, and grandfather were some of his most cherished.  He is the father of Rusty (Candise) Farmer of Springville, TN, Jody (Beth) Farmer of Camden, TN, and Amy (James) Lamping of Adams, TN.  Johnny is “Papa” to Julia Helen, Jack Ryan, and Benjamin Paul Farmer, James Tyler, Harper Rose, and Johnny Tucker Lamping, as well as six more grandbabies with whom he was united upon his transition to Heaven. 

Johnny is survived by a brother, Steve (Lyn) Farmer of Springville, TN; a sister, Pam (Tim) Chowning of White House, TN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm.  Family members will officiate the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Farmer, Jim Stanton, Kenny Barber, David Tyler, Cody Walker, Tim Chowning, and Norman Doster.

Burial will be in Poplar Grove Cemetery in Springville, TN.  

Johnny had many loves in this life and many hobbies including “chasin’ God’s critters in His great outdoors,” fishing, and watching bull riding. He had a personal love relationship with Jesus and came to Christ in saving faith as young child. 

The family requests that any memorials be sent to Bethany Baptist Church, 225 Van Dyke Road, Paris, TN 38242.

“… the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23