Coeburn, Virginia                                                            November 20, 2021

Johnny Wayne Yeary Sr., 75, left the Baby Boomer Generation on Friday, November 19, 2021. He was the first member of his family to be born in a hospital at Coeburn Community Hospital. So many Boomers were arriving that year, that Johnny's first bassinet was a dresser drawer.

The fourth child of Claude S. and Florence Short Yeary, he joined three older siblings: Swanson, William, and Patricia. In order to pacify his sister for losing her honored position in the family, she was allowed to name him after her favorite cowboy hero, John Wayne.

He was a 1965 graduate of Coeburn High School, and in 1966 he found himself in San Antonio, Texas, learning to become an airman in the United States Air Force. Afterwards, he was stationed in Germany. He returned stateside to civilian life in Wise County in 1970. He joined his parents in the family business, The Wise Western Auto Store. 1980 found Johnny working for Century Mining. He then devoted the rest of his working life to a variety of different enterprises, including working for his brother, David, in Y&Y Services, as owner of Lonesome Dove Florist, ran a weekly auction in Coeburn, and finally owner of a produce business throughout Wise, Lee, and Scott Counties.

Those rejoicing for his deliverance from pain and suffering are his sons, Johnny Wayne (Amy Jo Robinette) Yeary Jr., and Daniel Shawn (Kellie Richardson) Yeary; three grandchildren, Bryan Nathaniel, Savannah McKenzie, and Adam Blake. He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia Yeary Stallard, James David Yeary, and Dennis R. Yeary Sr. Additional survivors include several nephews and nieces and their descendants along with his surviving 32 Yeary cousins and their descendants, the remaining 8 Short cousins and their descendants; and a host of friends and neighbors throughout the area.

Graveside services will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Danny Smith. Military rites will be conducted by a Shaw Air Force Base Honor Team. Family will gather privately at Sturgill Funeral Home in Coeburn, Virginia beginning at 12 Noon. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to sign the guest register book online. In lieu of flowers, in remembrance of Johnny, family and friends are encouraged to donate to Southwest Virginia Cancer Center of Norton, VA. They can also choose to donate to the charity or church of their choice. Sturgill Funeral Homes, 310 6th Street NW, Coeburn, VA. 24230 is in charge of arrangements.