Mr. Johnny McKay Cherry Jr.

John McKay “Johnny” Cherry Jr., 77, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 11, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 11:00AM at Beggs Funeral Home in Madison, FL with Pastor Wade Moran officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery immediately following. The family will receive guests from 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Monday, July 15, 2024, at Beggs Funeral Home (235 NW Orange Avenue, Madison, FL 32340). Johnny was born February 11, 1947, in Madison, Florida and grew up there. He spent most of his adult life in Tallahassee, before retiring and living in Lakemont, Georgia in his beloved North Georgia Mountains. He is predeceased by his parents John and Winifred Cherry, his sister Mary Ann “Sissy” McClune, his sister-in-law Pamela Agner Cherry, and his brother-in-law Carlton Wells. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Gay Cherry, his son Jay Cherry, his daughter in love Jessica Cherry, his pride and joy, Jacob Cherry (his grandson), his loving brothers Keith Cherry and Bill Cherry (Becky), his sister-in-law Joyce Gay Wells, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind “The Group”, a close-knit group of friends who are like family, who shared many vacations and fun times together as they raised their families in Tallahassee over the years. Johnny retired from the State of Florida after 35 years of distinguished service with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. While he had many roles throughout his life, such as husband, father, father in love, brother, uncle, and friend, the role he cherished most was being “Pap” to his grandson Jacob. They shared trips to the Smokey Mountains, Jeep rides on the mountain, and throwing rocks together in the river. During his retirement in North Georgia, he enjoyed serving as part of the HIM “Home Improvement Ministry” of Clayton Baptist Church assisting families in need with home repairs, and at the Rabun Christian Food Ministries. In his younger years it wasn’t uncommon to see him in the driveway of a friend or co-worker in the evening or during the weekends helping them with car repairs or fixing something in their house to help them out. If you knew Johnny well, you know he had a heart to help others. He was always present for his family and supported them with all the love and time he could give. In honor of Johnny, who was not fond of a coat and tie, we ask everyone to dress comfortably for the celebration of life and graveside. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to Emerge Church of Tallahassee, the Home Improvement Ministry (H.I.M.) of Clayton (Georgia) First Baptist Church, or the Rabun Christian Food Ministries of Rabun County, Georgia. For any questions, please call Beggs Funeral Home – Madison Chapel at (850) 973-2258. Condolences may be left on our website at beggsfuneral.com.

Mr. Johnny McKay Cherry Jr.

February 11, 1947 - July 11, 2024