John Wayne Reddell, 83, of Blossom passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Medical City in Plano, Texas on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Blossom Church of Christ with Evan Butler officiating. There will be a visitation held at 12:30 p.m. at the church before the service. Private burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery. Bright-Holland Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.
John Wayne was born south of Paris on November 4, 1941 to his parents, John Herman Reddell and Louise Stricklin Reddell. He was the middle child between his older brother, Herman Louis Reddell and younger sister, Patricia Reddell. He grew up on the family farm fostering a lifelong love of driving a tractor. He attended schools in Paris. He was a business entrepreneur at an early age. He started out as a carhop at Frank’s Dairy Land at the age of 12. He went to work at Brookshires when they opened in 1958. He would work before school and afterschool until early graduation from high school when he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1959.
While he was in the Army National Guard. he was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana during the Berlin Wall Crisis. He was a Sergeant First Class while he served as an Artillery Forward Observer and Surveyor. Once his service was completed, he went on to work for Superior Switchboard and Devices. While working at Superior Switchboard and Devices, he advanced to plant manager and worked there until he became a small business owner, purchasing Reddell’s Glass and Metal (formerly Al Dunning’s Glass shop). He continued his love of farming with cattle and hay baling alongside working in the family glass and metal construction business. He semi-retired when he sold the family business where he remained as a consultant until the time of his death.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice Kaye Bolton Reddell after 46 years of marriage in which he was blessed with three daughters, Diedra Rast and husband Lee Rast, Dawn Malone and husband Barry Malone, and Dashielle Floyd and husband, Kyle Bennett. He was adored by his nine grandchildren, Jacob Malone Welch and Derek Welch, Cody Malone, Sydney Weaver and husband Caleb, Macy Malone, Molly Malone, Ty Rast, Ryder Floyd and wife, Cerah, Will Rast, and Kip Floyd. Papa John was loved by his three great grandchildren, Bowen Weaver, Halle Weaver, and Parker Weaver.
He reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Brenda Reily and was blessed with 16 years of marriage. His bonus family included Mark and Melissa Reily, Buddy and Traci Freeman, Gerald and Kellie Smalley. Bonus grandchildren included Austyn Reily, Alli Reily, Paige and Judd Ramsey, Jordan and Maysen Freeman, Bren Flechtner. Bonus great- grandchildren include Reily Ramsey, Elsie Ramsey, Beau Ramsey, Chandler Freeman and Reed Freeman.
He enjoyed life to its fullest. His work ethic inspired many people to strive to be successful but still had time for family time. He put up with a houseful of screaming teenage girls for many years. He attended many sporting and band events for his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours on his tractors, baling and hauling hay and talking cattle.
He enjoyed watching old westerns and news channels. He enjoyed riding the country roads with Brenda. He was always ready to help out in any way that he could, especially giving advice using his vast experience and knowledge. He was known for his quick wit. He was a member of the Blossom Church of Christ and encouraged his family and friends to become active in church. He will be greatly missed by many, but he left a lifetime of memories.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Jacob Welch, Cody Malone, Ty Rast, Ryder Floyd, Will Rast, and Kip Floyd.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
