Johnny Joe Shadowens, Sr. (John), age 85, passed away Monday September 28, 2026 at Atkins Nursing and Rehab in Atkins, Ar.

He was born March 3, 1941 in Nashville, Tn, eldest son of the late Joe Andrew and Ruby Golda Shadowens.

John served his country in the United States Marine Corp from 1959-1963, living out his life in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Colorado before settling in Arkansas. At age 35, he dedicated his life to the Lord as minister, preaching at many locations until his retirement in 2019 at the age of 79. He served in Grady, AR, Warren, AR, Caraway, AR, Grand Junction, CO, Mt. Home, AR, and in Gallatin, TN. His love for all sports was unparalleled, especially for the Tennessee Volunteers. After putting the final touches on his Sunday sermon, John would spend many fall Saturday afternoons in his recliner watching college football.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Johnny Joe Shadowens, Jr (Joe) and his brother, Robert Wayne Shadowens (Buddy).

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna Young Shadowens of Russellville, AR; one brother, Lawrence Andrew Shadowens of Pleasant View, TN, one daughter-in-law, Gina Sarcos Shadowens of Springdale, TN; two children, Larry Shadowens of Mt Juliet, TN and Theresa Smith and son-in-law Scott Smith of Russellville, AR; four grandchildren and their spouses; Aaron and Ashton Smith of Russellville, AR, Megan and Will Strain also of Russellville, AR, Kyle and Madison Shadowens of Knoxville, TN, and Bethany and Rusty Brownfield of Springdale, AR; six great-grandchildren, Landon and Shaun Smith, Lucy Jo and Ruby Strain, Kaisen Brownfield and Savannah Shadowens along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

The service will be held at the Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Highway 100 just west of Bellevue, TN on Monday October 5, 2026 at 11PM. Honorary Paul Bearers will be; Roger Young, Kenneth Young, Aaron Smith, Kyle Shadowens, Barry Mullens, Will Strain, Scott Smith, Rusty Brownfield, Jason Boyd. There will be a two-hour visitation just prior to the service beginning at 9AM. The service will be officiated by longtime friend and brother in Christ, David Lanius, serving now as Elder at Creekview Church of Christ in Gallatin, Tn. Song leading by Greg Church. John will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery located on McCrory Lane. Interment will be Wednesday October 7, 2026 at 11AM. Family is welcome to attend.