John Edward Reno, 84
September 16, 1940 – March 28, 2025
A full eighty four years devoted to providing the best possible for his family, serving his community well, and faithful dedicating his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Mr. John Edward Reno has finally joined his “Babe”, Willadean, hand in hand on the shores of Heaven, after departing this earthly life in the early morning hours of Friday March 28, 2025, in the comfort of his home.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Reno will be 1 PM Monday March 31, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of The Ripley Funeral Home with visitation from 11 AM until service time. Bro. Austin Hamilton and Bro. Steve Cohea will officiate. Burial will follow in the Tippah Memorial Gardens.
On September 16, 1940, in Prentiss County, Mr. Reno was born to the late John Henry and Annie Barrett Reno. He attended school at Pine Grove High School, before leaving to work in the fields as a share cropper. Mr. Reno wore many hats as he was a man holding faithful to the philosophy, “Hard work always pays off, whatever you do.” Working 12 years with Roadway & Conley and Frog & Switch, while also serving as Vice President of the local steel worker unions, Mr. Reno made his greatest impact from the furniture business. Along side his brother, Wesley, in 1973 they worked in the Manufacture Office Furniture business, before opening his first business, Clover Furniture in 1974, where he manufactured upholstered Furniture until 1980. After a few years, he transitioned over to the wholesale furniture business, where he successfully owned and operated Southern Magnolia Furniture, until he went to bed the night of Thursday March 27, 2025. With a service like his, Mr. Reno’s business was second to none, as he considered himself just like everyone else. He saw people just like the Lord intended it to be, for he believed doing right by others, always providing to customers, regardless their financial circumstances, and treating everyone with the same respect.
Beyond his professional duties, Mr. Reno was a born again Christian and faithful member of First Baptist Church. If the doors were open, he was there, for he knew the importance of worshiping with his fellow church members weekly, studying the word often, and craved Gods love always. Outside of his church activities, other favorite pastimes of his include all things sports. He was an active advocate for the Ripley Tigers, along with cheering on the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Memphis Tigers, to which he’s held season tickets since 1962.
Above all of Mr. Reno’s accomplishments in life, his greatest achievement would be that of his family. His devotion to them were clear to see in the way he lived life, as he never missed any of the grandchildren’s activities, always being there number one supporter. They knew he and “Nunney” would always be on their side, giving them the best life possible, constantly having there door open, assuring them they would always have a place that felt like home.
There would never be enough room to write about all the things Mr. Reno did while he was on this earth, nevertheless the things down no one ever knew about. His faithfulness to family was evident to see, the sacrifices made to offer a helping hand to those he could never went unnoticed, and no stone was left unturned in the way he lived life. In all honesty, John Edward Reno was as fine of a fella as they came, so it’s with a great assurance knowing that the moment he stepped through those pearly gates, a crown full of jewels was placed waited for him and he was greeted with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Those left to carry on his legacy include daughter, Kym Reno, his son, Jerry Dean Reno (Deana), his grandchildren, Payton Reno (Ashley), Barrett Reno, Coley Reno (Carley), Caleb Reno (Parrish), Cassie Reno, and Gypsee Wilson (Mark) his much adored great grandchildren, Maeve, Calla, Lincoln, Louise, Jordan Belle, Maddox, Willa, Roux, Jayton, Reed, Sadie, Boston, Ivy, Kymilynn, Ava, and one on the way, one sister, Jean “Sally” Goforth, one brother, Jerry Reno (Rhonda), special cousin, Jerry and Mimi Barrett, and a wide circle of friends, and family.
In addition to the love of his life, Willadean “Nunney” Reno, and his parents, those there who welcomed him home include his brothers, Wesley Reno, James Reno, and Lois Carroll, and his mother in law, Mrs. Minnie Tarpley.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Reno’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
