of West Memphis, AR
August 11, 1969 - June 8, 2024
John William Friday, 64, passed away on June 8, 2024, in Memphis, TN. He was born on August 11, 1969, to Mr. R.G. Friday and Mrs. Sue B. Friday in Memphis, TN.
He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, where he played the piano and participated in various church activities. During his downtime, you could find him enjoying a Razorback, Cardinal, or hockey game. He also enjoyed music, fantasy football leagues, and following his niece and nephew's activities.
John was an active member of his community from an early age. He was always involved in the church, Boy Scouts, and the social group SPO, and then became a leader of the school band.
This continued through college and was respected by everyone fortunate enough to come in contact with him.
This respect continued as he moved into the business world after college. None of us were surprised that this quickly became the business world of music.
He changed cities and jobs several times but always remained devoted to his family and friends, near and far.
When he returned to West Memphis, he became involved in the local community theater and fell right back into playing the piano at church, his primary love.
Becoming Uncle John was a role he cherished and loved.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Diane Friday Freeman (Tim); nephew, Jake Pardew; niece, Casey Friday McNamee,
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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20 Condolence(s)
Teresa Appling Montgomery
Sunday, June 23, 2024
I was one of those always looking for the chance to sing along as John and Jim Cosgrove did their best to play things we knew. We were all so young the first year of Celebrate Life and I was thrilled to find out it continued on and even grew beyond what we all saw in the beginning. Life took me away for 40 yrs and we just moved back. I am truly sad I didn’t get to see my sweet friend once more.
Mike Jennings
Sunday, June 23, 2024
One of my favorite memories was of John and I sharing a room as counselors for Jr. High Youth Assembly at Hendrix College in, probably 1976. I hurt my knee falling down a hill, some campers threw John into the fountain and he hurt his arm. We put a sign on our dorm room - M*A*S*H 4077.
Mike Noland
Saturday, June 22, 2024
John was a friend fr band at ASU and then we both lived in Fayetteville for a while after college. He was a wonderful, talented guy. We had lots of laughs. The heavenly choir just got a lot better with John playing along. RIP John Friday
Jeanie Friday
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Diane, continued prayers for you and your family. I’m so glad we were able to visit in November. I will miss cousin John. Love y’all
Jeanie
Velna Steele Keating
Saturday, June 22, 2024
John, I’ll always remember your kindness to everyone, no matter the situation. Your musical talent will always be remembered. Many prayers for peace and comfort for your family. I know you will be so missed, but never, ever forgotten.
Margie Meeks Lickert
Friday, June 21, 2024
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Some of my favorite memories are from our UMC summer musicals! I believe that he is already playing something from Bright New Wings up in heaven.
His musical talent was only outdone by his kindness and heart. Peace to you and your family.
Tim Taylor
Friday, June 14, 2024
I guess the last time I spent time with John was at my wedding. We had the honor of John providing all of our music. I respected John so very much for his gentle attitude, his devotion to church, family, and friends. He was one the cornerstones that built our beloved "Friends & Co-workers" youth program at FUMC in the mid-1970s. John was A GOOD GUY...one of the best. Several of us always cornered him to play for us so we could sing. His music and good nature always made everyone happy. Goodbye to a very special man. I know the likes of some special souls that loved John on earth have greeted him warmly at the gates of Heaven. I'm not sure who God appointed the Pianist of Paradise, but I'm sure who ever it is won't mind sharing the position with John.
Amanda Beckham
Friday, June 14, 2024
I did not know John until Bo and I started planning our wedding to be held at GUMC WM. He was so sweet to us and Mae the musical part of our ceremony beautiful. We told him the general direction we wanted for the pre-ceremony effect. I considered John a friend. He will be missed by so many.
Jane Hawley
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Diane, lots of hearts are broken that our sweet and dear friend, John is no longer here with us. I know yours is too.
I'm so thankful that I got to visit with John and take him some food after his first surgery. He was so tickled when he asked if I could keep a secret; I said of course! (he was going back to FUMC WM to play the piano for the first time since his heart attack and was super excited)
Little did we know he would have a 2nd attack and not come home. But he is in his heavenly home now and resting easy! Hugs and prayers for you and the family.
Donna & Randy Robason & Family
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Dear Diane and family,
We are saddened by the enormous loss of your brother John. I had been praying for him & his health since you shared it on Facebook. We are praying now for God's comfort to you and your family. May God hold you tightly in His mighty arms as you grieve your enormous loss. We lost my beautiful sister Debbie about this time last year and I know how painful the loss of a sibling can be. Love, comfort & hugs to you!
Donna
Barbara Williams
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Frank Jones
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
John was a true gentleman and always amazed me with his knowledge of music. This man would would do anything for anyone. I haven’t seen him in over 30 years, but still remember his humanity and great humor. I hope to see you again in Heaven my friend!
Kim Hall Daniels
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
John was a very dear friend in high school. Such a great guy. Heartbroken that he’s gone. Rest in peace, John.
Susan Schoettle
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
John's love and talent with music always amazed me. Even when we were in Friends and Coworkers youth group as teenagers, he was always quietly but certainly improving our music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Cathy Williams
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
John, my sweet, talented friend! We shared our love for music, band, West Memphis, our neighborhood and our Lord! I will miss you on this earth and all the memories we share! Rest easy in the arms of Jesus! We have assurance we will see each other again!
Richard (Dick) Jorgensen
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
So sorry to hear...you were always a favorite student ...peace to you...
Sheila Jones
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
I was an Associate Pastor at West Memphis many years ago and I loved joking around with John. What a great guy and I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. Praying for his family and friends and love and comfort of God be with you.
Max Conner
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
So many of my best memories involve you. Have no doubt you will be missed. Good person, good man and a very great friend.
Tom OConnor
Monday, June 10, 2024
So happy to have known you, John. A great student and great friend. You have left us too soon but we know you are free of your ills and pain. God Bless you my friend.
Kathi Gatewood
Monday, June 10, 2024
John, You will be dearly MISSED my friend. ((HugsBig)) Prayers for the families