John Allen "Johnny" Myrick Jr.

John A. Myrick Jr. passed away on April 12, 2015 at the age of 86. Johnny was born in Columbus on January 18, 1929, to Thelma Simms Myrick and John Allen Myrick. He graduated from Columbus High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Johnny married Patricia “Patsy” Gay Sims of Rome, Ga., in 1951.

Johnny had a love of airplanes and flying from early childhood and earned his pilot’s license while still in high school. After graduating from college, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years on active duty, where he saw combat flying the Air Force’s first fighter jet, the F-86F Sabre, in “MiG Alley” during the Korean War. He also served 20 years in the Air Force Reserve, where he earned the rank of LT Colonel before retiring in 1976.

Along with his father, Johnny opened Myrick Furniture in Columbus in 1960. Johnny continued the business until he retired in 1990.

Johnny was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus and its Scarbrough Sunday School class. He served as a deacon and was named a Deacon Emeritus after his final term. He was also active in the church’s Food Closet ministry. He was a charter member of the East Columbus Rotary Club, now the North Columbus Rotary Club, and served as president during its second year. Johnny was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and he enjoyed attending the Friday Friar’s men’s luncheon club.

Johnny was a devoted son, husband, and father. He was preceded in death by Patsy, his wife of 59 years. Survivors include one daughter, Susan Myrick Allaway, and her husband, Tim, of Alpharetta, Ga.; two sons, John A. “Tripp” Myrick III of Columbus, and Hix David Myrick and his wife Toni of Columbus; and two grandchildren, Sarah Patricia Allaway and Mackenzie Annette Myrick.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015, in the Porter Chapel of First Baptist Church of Columbus with Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating. At the conclusion of the service the family will receive friends in the church’s fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.