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John Fillyaw, 69, of Murphy passed away Monday, September 9, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. He was born in California, but considered himself a native of Orlando, Florida as he was raised there since before the age of one. John was a Korean Era veteran, serving in the United States Army as a linesman in the demilitarized zone. John worked for the Florida Park Service for 33 years as law enforcement, park manager, but was a park ranger at heart. Following his retirement in 2008, he moved to the mountains in Murphy, which he loved. John attended Calvary Chapel Murphy and loved his church family. John loved working with his hands and building furniture.

 

He was the son of the late John Harry Fillyaw and Lillian Mae Fillyaw Schneider.

 

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Janet Fillyaw; two daughters, Jennifer Pearl and husband, Brian of Vero Beach, Florida and Dawn Grenet and husband, Tim of Ormond Beach, Florida; two sons, Wesley Smith and wife, Tina of Atlanta, Georgia and Ryan Smith and wife, Jamie of Hobe Sound, Florida; two sisters, Joann Hunt and husband, Mike of Orlando, Florida and Catherine Wilkins and husband, Gayden of West Plains, Missouri; two brothers, Donald Fillyaw and wife, Janis of Niota, Tennessee and Allen Fillyaw of Riceville, Tennessee; and eight grandchildren.

 

A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Calvary Chapel Murphy with Pastor Jim Coy and Pastor Trent Abling officiating. Military honors were provided by the Hayesville VFW Post 6812, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, and Murphy American Legion Post 96.

 

The family received friends from 12:00 – 1:00 Saturday afternoon at the Calvary Chapel Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of John Fillyaw to the Calvary Chapel Murphy, 5718 US 64, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Comments  
#7 Jennifer Burrows 2019-09-13 02:21
John and his family are my father Dave Goldbergs cousins. He always had wonderful stories of the times he spent with them. When he brought my sister and me to Florida so we could spend time with our Florida family, John gave us the biggest hugs. We are sad for the loss of such a wonderful man. Our deepest condolences go out to the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
#6 Gregg Walker 2019-09-12 13:21
I had the good fortune of working for John for 5 years at Wekiwa Springs State Park in the early 1990's. John was a great mentor and trusted friend. A few months ago, at a dinner with my peers of the Florida Park Service, several of us spoke to John on the phone and I told him that he should be very proud because at least 5 of his former staff members have gone on to be leaders in the Florida Park Service. John led through compassion and understanding and I am truly grateful for the example he set. God Bless John, Jan and all their friends and family.
#5 Christina Chambers 2019-09-12 07:33
I am sad to hear of John's passing. Jan, I will keep you and your family in my Heart, Prayers and Thoughts.
#4 charles mchan 2019-09-12 04:58
A good person I considered him a friend a loss to Cherokee county nc a good citizen
#3 Dan Griffin 2019-09-11 21:01
John & I have been friends for 45 years. Some know this story, others don’t. John & I began our park service careers at the same park & on the same day. We share the same birthday. I guess we were destined to be friends. We had many good times together, which I will never forget. We watched our kids grow up & watched our kids have kids. We were able to travel with John & Jan. Cathy & I have many fond memories of those times. We were park rangers together & he was my supervisor for awhile, & he was my mentor for many years. Most of all John was my friend, my best friend. I will miss my friend.
#2 Tracey 2019-09-11 15:23
I will miss John so much. I love him dearly. He was the brother I never had and was always so loving and kind to me. He always loved all of the kids. I am so happy I got a big bear hug from John at Christmas last year and will always be grateful for that time, and all the good times we've all had as a family almost my whole life. He was so good to my sister, they were best friends. I always admired what a pure and real love they share. A good man. Rest in peace, John, you will always be in my heart. I love you, Tracey
#1 Lisa and Richard 2019-09-11 12:06
We are so sad to hear of John's passing. He has been our next door neighbor for several years now and you couldn't ask for a better neighbor. We are part time residents and could always count on John keeping and eye on the property for us. John and I loved to talk DIY with each other and compare our various projects. I often sought his advice. I have to admit to being envious of his workshop and tools. He was also a genuinely nice human being and will be greatly missed.
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