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.