Johnnie Leroy Chaffin, 101, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, of Powderly, entered into rest on Saturday, August 8, 2020, surrounded by family.
Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled memorial services for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15th, at the Pavilion of Red Hill Cemetery with Rev. Mark Sanders officiating. Following the service, the family will host a meal and time of fellowship at the Chicota Community Center in Chicota.
Mr. Chaffin, the son of Toll Bryan Chaffin & Hattie Abigail Dill Chaffin, was born April 5, 1919, in Ada, OK.
He married Fannie Lorene Sanders on Oct. 16, 1937, and at the time of her passing on Jan. 16, 2020, they were the longest married couple in Texas, and the third longest in the United States at eight-two years.
He was a faithful member of the Powderly Church of God.
His career as a cement mason spanned many years. He worked on concrete foundations in many of the buildings in downtown Dallas and homes in Mesquite.
A musician his entire life, he & Fannie started playing and singing with a guitar and fiddle in the early 30’s. In later years he was the ultimate nursing home entertainer with Leroy and the Country Rebels. Leroy blessed many lives with singing, music and his love of laughter. He was known for knowing some two thousand songs by memory. He was truly a gentle man.
Survivors include six children; Nadine Puetz of Powderly, Earl Wayne Chaffin & wife Vicki Jo of Norman, OK, Linda Bell Reavis & husband Thurman “Butch” of Powderly, Roylene Weger & husband Jimmy of Powderly, Sandra Johns & husband Curtis of Forest Chapel, and Cathie Emerson & husband Monty of Paris, 21 great grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and great great great grandchildren along with many nieces & nephews and a host of friends.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
