Johnnie L. Tyler

Johnnie Tyler, 74, died on Monday, March 17, 2014. Johnnie was born on December 8, 1939 in Knoxville, TN to Raymond and Estelle Tyler. He attended Alnwick Elementary School and then graduated from Everett High School in 1957. Johnnie served as an aircraft navigator and Hurricane Hunter for the U.S. Navy until 1960. On November 8, 1959 he married Jeanne Taylor. He resided in many different places across United States. He lived in Jacksonville, FL; Charleston, SC; Sacramento, CA; Aurora, CO; Colleyville, TX and then he retired to Loudon, TN. Johnnie worked as a professional pilot for Zantop, Frontier and Continental Airlines. He finished his commercial pilot career with UPS, flying around the world for 16 years. He then retired in 2002. Johnnie will be especially remembered for his quick wit, charming personality and uncanny ability to make friends wherever he went. His musical talents were innate. He could play just about anything. He deeply loved his family and friends. He is survived by his lifelong companion Jeanne Tyler of Loudon, TN; two sons, Danny Tyler and his wife Lisa of Scottsdale, AZ and Jeffery Tyler of Cave Creek, AZ; three grandchildren, Jordan, Christian and Sophia; mother, Estelle; five brothers; and two sisters. Johnnie is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Tyler; brother, Bill Tyler; and nephew, Brian Tyler. The Viewing will take place on Friday, March 28th, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Smith Funeral Home, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 A.M., also at Smith Funeral Home, followed by a Burial Service at Sherwood Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to gather at Smith Funeral Home, following the services, for a time to enjoy food and fellowship. Thank you to all friends and family for your love and support of our beloved Johnnie throughout this journey. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Johnnie L. Tyler please visit our Sympathy Store.