Johny Nearn

Johny's Obituary A century ago ... excerpted from an article by Nancy Harper- Mr. Johnny Nearn of Bells, was born in 1913, the same year as Red Skelton, President Gerald Ford, and Vivien Leigh, who played Scarlet in "Gone with the Wind." He was born the same year as the Federal Income Tax Amendment 16 was ratified - authorizing the federal government to impose and collect income taxes, and he was born prior to World War I and women's right to vote. Mr. Johnny Nearn, who is now a resident of Bells Nursing and Rehab Center, will celebrate his 100th birthday on May 24. I asked him what advice he would give to young people today, and he said, "Don't smoke or drink and don't stay out late." Then I asked what his hobbies were, and he simply stated, "Work. Didn't play ball; but liked to watch a few games." Mr. Johnny said he worked at RC Battery in Jackson for 11 years. He also worked at a Friendship service station, Morgan Service Station in Bells, the Goosman Funeral Home, and the Bells Funeral Home. Judy Blair said that Mr. Johnny was at every funeral. He opened doors, took care of families, and sat at every visitation. She described him as caring and compassionate. Mr. Johnny married Jo Faulkner in 1933, and they were married 65 yeaars prior to her death in 1998. She was a long-time employee of Pictsweet. "She was a good cook," said Mr. Johnny. Mr. Johnny completed the eigth grade; attended Crossroads and Broadview Schools; attended Broadview Methodist Church, Crossroads Methodist Church, and the Bells Church of Christ; bought his first vehicle in 1940-Chrevrolet pick-up truck. We talked about growing up without indoor plumbing, no electricity, and going barefoot. To get places, he would ride a mule or a horse. He said they were poor, but they never went hungry. In summation, I believe Mr. Johnny's advice to us wold be to live a good, clean life and go to work every day!" Read More Read Less