Johnny W. Gillette, 60, formerly of Tuscumbia, died Monday, July 7, 2014, at his home in Mary Esther, FL. He was born in Red Bay, AL on February 19, 1954 to Wayne and Minnie Gillette. He was a lifelong resident of the Shoals area. In 1979, Mr. Gillette embarked on a career in law enforcement that spanned over three decades. He served as a police officer in Red Bay, Florence, Waterloo, Rogersville, and served as the chief of police in Littleville. He continued in law enforcement working in facility security at TVA as well as Northwest Shoals Community College. He enjoyed being in nature, shooting his guns, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his family and friends as well as his dog, Josie. He also enjoyed Alabama football and “philosiphying” over coffee. He is survived by his father Wayne Gillette of Tennessee and his siblings Roger Gillette of Birmingham, AL, Stephanie Alexander of Franklin, TN, and Richard Gillette of Birmingham, AL. He is also survived by his daughters Crystal Copeland and her husband Derrick of Mary Esther, FL and Jonni Desnoyers and her husband Tom of San Francisco, CA. He is survived by his grandchildren Jacob, Daniel, Matthew, Amelia, Eli and Sara Jane. He is predeceased by his mother Minnie Lee Mills Gillette and stepmother Betty Gillette. Pallbearers will be Derrick Copeland, Tom Desnoyers, Jacob Rhodes, Daniel Copeland, Gregory Alexander, and Bradley Alexander. He was loved by all and will be missed. Services celebrating his life will be held Friday, July 11, 2014 at Morrison Funeral Home, 825 N. Main St., Tuscumbia. Visitation will be at 1:00pm followed by a chapel service at 2:00pm. He will then be laid to rest at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Golden, MS. There will be a 4:00pm graveside service Friday at Mt. Zion. Bryan McIntyre will officiate.
