Rutherford County lost an involved community leader, historian and caring citizen on Saturday (3/12/2016) when 81 year old Ernie Johns passed away.

Historian With Heart

He loved history and was the former county historian. Ernie proudly traced his roots back to 1803 when relatives helped to establish Rutherford County. In addition, he was a founding member of the Rutherford County Historical Society.

Smyrna State Representative Mike Sparks and State Senator Bill Ketron passed legislation to honor Ernie Johns by naming a portion of West Jefferson Pike after him. Last November 21st (2015), a marker was placed in front of Gil's Ace Hardware, near the corner of Nissan Drive and West Jefferson Pike.

Representative Sparks told WGNS . . .

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Current Rutherford County Historian Greg Tucker said, "Ernie was a difficult act to follow. He was our second historian and did the legwork. Ernie visited old cemeteries around the area, documented the gravestones, and spent many hours searching through old county records. He left a tremendous legacy. Unfortunately, Erne took more knowledge with him than was preserved. He was a dedicated man."

Former State Representative John Hood commented, "Ernie Johns was a true community citizen. His love of history brought us many lost insights into the past. He will be missed."

Cared For Others

Johns was an involved community leader. As noted, his passion was history, but he also devoted much time to service. He served eight years on the Rutherford County Commission.

A friend described him as a very giving, generous man. They told of Ernie being well known for his gardening abilities. He had a big one each year, and they recalled that he shared the vegetables with others around the community.

As a businessman, he owned E. K. Johns Construction in Smyrna for many years.

He was a 1952 graduate of Smyrna High School and obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1956. Johns was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

Funeral Arrangements

Ernest "Ernie" King Johns, age 81, of Smyrna, died Saturday, March 12, 2016. A native of Smyrna, TN, he was the son of the late Andrew Frank "A.F." and Mary Frances King Johns.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna. Brother Ron Caldwell will officiate. Burial will be in Mapleview Cemetery.

Mr. Johns is survived by his loving wife, Mary McIntosh Johns; sons, Keith (Tina Buchanan) Johns and Greg Johns of Smyrna, TN; brothers, Frank Johns and his wife Jewel of Smyrna, TN, John Johns and his wife Florene of Nashville, TN, and Tom Johns of Smyrna, TN; sisters, Martha Intorica of Smyrna, TN and Mary Lou Puzak and her husband Bill of New Jersey; a host of extended family and many loving friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. till the service time at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna.