John R Jernigan

John R. M. Jernigan, age 88, went home to be with our Lord on August 2, 2026, surrounded by his three daughters, son, and oldest grandson, and his devoted service dog, Baby Girl Jernigan. His passing was gentle, filled with love, and covered by the grace of God.

Born on June 11, 1938, in Sulphur Rock, Arkansas, John grew up with strong family values, deep faith, and a quite strength that shaped the man he became. In 1971, he moved his family to Texas, where built a life rooted in love, hard work and unwavering devotion to those he cherished.

John is survived by his daughters, Janie Olds and Tommie Taylor of Belton, Donna Jernigan of Killeen, Texas and Johnnie Jernigan Bannister and her husband Brian Bannister, "Son", of Killeen, Texas. He also leaves behind his best friend (brother in law) of 68 years, Martin Morgan, Sr., and his wife Ginger Morgan of Killeen. A friendship that stood as a testament to loyalty, brotherhood and lifelong companionship.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Patsy Morgan Maxwell and husband, Cecil Maxwell of Greenbriar, Arkansas. John has 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Each of them carries a piece of his legacy, and each was blessed by his gentle spirit. His faithful service dog, Baby Girl Jernigan, who never left his side, will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mildred Morgan Jernigan, daughter Rita Mae Jernigan, parents Floyd Ray and Ila Inez Jernigan, mother and father in law Fay Lee and Mille Marie Morgan, brothers Floyd Russel Jernigan and William Marion Jernigan, sister Ila Rae Jernigan Fetzer and great grand daughter, Elizabeth Olds. We rejoice knowing he is now reunited with them in Glory, whole and restored and in the presence of the Lord.

To carry forward with love and respect, his pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandson: Joshua Olds, Jeremiah Olds, Jacob Olds, Phillip Bannister, Richard Bannister and Brian Stouder.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Baptist Trimmier, 6405 Chaparral Road, Killeen, Tx 76542, from 10-11AM. Funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Nolanville.

In honor of John's life, the family request that memorials be made to either First Baptist Church of Trimmier, PO Box 11085 Killeen, TX 76547 or Dementia Enrichment Center, 9251 FM 436 Belton, TX 76513.

John's life was a testimony of faith, devotion and quiet strength. He loved deeply, gave generously, and lived humbly. His legacy will continue through the generations he leaves behind. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him. We celebrate his homegoing, knowing he is now at peace in the everlasting arms of God.