Johnny Ray Vess, 67, of Coldwater, MS went to be with the Lord on June 22, 2024. Johnny was born on June 5, 1957 in Iuka, MS to the late Jessie Vess and Ruth Walker Vess. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Teresa Rhodes Vess; daughter, Renee Vess Pepin (Tommy); grandchildren: Sadie Ruth Pepin (11), Wells Thomas Pepin (9), and Julianne Rae Pepin (5); brother, Donnie Holland (Betty); and brother, Frank Vess (Velma). Johnny married the love of his life, Teresa Rhodes on July 28, 1979. He began his career in electrical sales with Electrical Contractor Supply where he worked for 3 years. He then went on to work for Rhodes Sales Electric for 15 years. His last job was with IAC Supply Solutions from where he retired after 13 years. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf at the Olive Branch Country club where he was a member for over 30 years. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, driving his John Deere tractor on his 15 acres in Coldwater, and watching the Ole Miss Rebels and Green Bay Packers play. Johnny was a believer in Jesus Christ and loved to serve the Lord. He was a member at Longview Heights Baptist Church for over 30 years where he and his wife taught Sunday School and he went on many mission trips over the years. More recently, he was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Coldwater. He had a servant’s heart and enjoyed serving and helping his church family and his community. He was a kind and soft-spoken man but people were drawn to his loving spirit. He loved his family dearly and one of his greatest joys in life was being “Papa” to his grandchildren. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 10 am until 12 pm with a funeral service to begin at 12:00 pm. There will be a meal to follow the service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (9290 MS-306, Coldwater, MS 38618) where all are invited to join the family. A graveside service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery (2197 MS-25, Iuka, MS 38852) on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 12:00 pm.
