Johnny Lee Starnes

Johnny graduated from Science Hill High School in Johnson City, TN. He earned a Master of History with a minor in Political Science from East Tennessee State University. He received the rank of Cadette Colonel in the ROTC program before he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of the Infantry in the US Army. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and was deployed to the Dominican Republic in 1964 for six months before serving two tours in Vietnam. (1967 ,1969). He retired after 23 years from the Army in 1987 as an LTC. His favorite tour was to Germany (1975 – 1978), where he served as the Executive Officer for the 3-36 Infantry Division.

He was then transferred to Fort Hood, TX for 2 years before being assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. After retiring from the Army, he worked for Southwest FL Water Management for 16 years. He was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church for 39 years and served as an Elder for many of those years.

Johnny was happily married to Priscilla Onks Starnes for 62 ½ years. They settled in Tampa, FL in 1983. He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Bill, and Lynn and his first son Matt.

Johnny was the proud father of three boys, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Priscilla, his son Mark and wife Susan, his son Kevin, and his daughter-in- law Alesia as well as his brother Eddie.

Johnny was a man of integrity and honor who was driven by his love for God, family, and career. He was a true friend and mentor to all lucky enough to have known him.

A celebration of life to honor Johnny will take place at 11am on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. The family will receive friends following the service and then they invite all to attend Military Honors honoring Johnny's service in the United States Army at Florida National Cemetery at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Johnny Lee Starnes can be sent to Salvation Army, Samaritans Purse or Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 17520 Marsh Road, Lutz, FL 33558.