Johnny Wayne Peterson

Johnny Wayne Peterson, age 55, of Erwin, born on June 13, 1969, died September 29, 2024, due to flooding of the Nolichucky River from remnants of Hurricane Helene.

He was a native of Erwin and graduated from UCHS in 1987. He was an employee of Impact Plastics for over 35 years, since the age of 20.

He is survived by his children Alexa and Gunner (Erwin), Skyler (Johnson City), Jade-Noel (West Virginia). He is also survived by their mother, Heather, and his first grand baby on the way.

Johnny is the son of Larry and Negatha Peterson, Jim Wilson and the late Brenda White Wilson. He is also survived by his sister, Bridgett Peterson.

Johnny’s hobbies included frisbee golf, foosball, watching SEC and NFL Football, especially the University of Tennessee and Dallas Cowboys. Johnny was very involved in the Unicoi County Football teams and he loved cheering his son on at every game.  He was an avid bow, muzzle and gun hunter. Johnny took many trips to New Mexico for Elk hunts, and he was very successful.  Nothing made Johnny happier than to take fishing trips to Georgia or fishing for Striper on Boone Lake with his dad and son. 

Johnny was famous for telling his hilarious stories. Stories from his high school years and early childhood playing with all his cousins. You would see him telling these stories with a Marlboro Red in one hand, a Dr. Enuff in the other hand and chewing on a Mento.

Johnny’s proudest accomplishment was raising his four children who were his pride and joy.  He always said, “they all four are as beautiful inside as out and have the strongest character.”

People have always said Johnny was a good, caring, and generous man.  But now, they will also speak of his bravery and his heroism on that last day.  This is Johnny Peterson’s legacy; he died a hero saving others’ lives while risking his own. This is the man and father that he was.

Johnny’s family will receive friends at Southside Freewill Baptist Church in Erwin from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Reverend Reed Bagby and Reverend Jimmy Arrowood will officiate the 6:30 p.m. funeral service. Committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday in Jones Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Robbie Casey, Joe Hyder, Bo Creech, Hayden Johnson, Josh McKinney, and Gunner Peterson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Unicoi County High School Football Team and Coaches, John English, Paul Green, Chris Peterson, and Caleb Peterson. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:55 p.m. on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations made to: Johnny Peterson Memorial Fund at the Clinchfield Credit Union 1038 N Main Ave, Erwin, TN 37650.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Peterson family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin is privileged to serve the Peterson family. (423) 743-1380.

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