Chief Johnny Beddingfield

“Chief” Johnny Beddingfield went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 4, 2017. He left this world peacefully at his home in Whitehouse, Texas. He was a member of Pine Brook Baptist Church, Tyler, TX. Born May 3, 1943, in Bullard, Texas, to Howard and Maurine Beddingfield, he was the youngest of three brothers. Johnny loved life, never meeting a stranger and always ready to help anyone in need. He could portray a tough exterior, but he had one of the kindest and loving hearts, he always went above and beyond to help anyone in need. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge 785 in Bullard, and was a Shriner for the last three years. Johnny attended schools in the Dallas area, returning to Bullard to start his adult life. He worked at General Electric until 1967, when he decided to take the test for the Tyler Police Department, where he met his friend J.B. Smith. He worked his way up through the ranks, and left there to work for Smith County Sheriff Harlan Long. Charles Wilson, Jessie Moore, John Wyman and he were the only deputies at the time on the midnight shift and paroled the entire Smith County areas. Taking a break from law enforcement in the 70’s Johnny went to work for the Southland Distribution Center as a truck driver and stayed there 9 years. He returned to the Smith County Sheriff’s office in 1983 to be Chief Deputy for his longtime friend Sheriff J.B. Smith. While Chief Deputy he was instrumental in organizing the first K-9 unit, where he trained dogs and horses with the help of his fellow deputies and trustees. They had over 100 successful apprehensions, along with searching for missing children and the elderly. His team traveled all across the state, including the Fort Davis standoff, the Davidian Branch compound in Waco, and was always ready to assist other agencies. Johnny served as the head of security for the East Texas State Fair for many years, and headed up security at the Broadway Square Mall. In 2001 Johnny retired from Smith County to spend more time with his family, his favorite past time was his mules and wagons. He was happiest driving his team on many a week’s trail ride, parades or just training his newest team. Johnny raised three children Linda “Kitten” Milanovich, David Beddingfield and Tina Beddingfield. In 1983 he married Daveda Beddingfield, his best friend and the love of his life. At that time he took two addition children to raise as his own, Jason Bradberry and Brandy Smith. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Maurine Beddingfield, and loving brother B.T. Beddingfield. He is survived by his wife, Daveda Beddingfield of 34 years, children Kitten and Mark Milanovich, Omaha, Texas, David Beddingfield, Omaha, Texas, Tina Beddingfield Whitehouse, Texas, Jason Bradberry, Vidor, Texas, and Brandy and John Smith, Gilmer, Texas. Grandchildren include Jock Beddingfield, Misty Fortunas, Manny Hobbs, Danielle Beddingfield, Ashley Eaves, and Abigail Smith. He had 9 great-grandchildren. Brother C.F. “Curley” Beddingfield of Bullard, and a host of nieces and nephews. Thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice of Tyler, for the love and comfort you provided during his illness for the last few years. Honorary Pallbearers are John Smith, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Bobby Garmon, Steven Chaney, Brent Lowery and Charles Wilson. Services for Johnny will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 2:00 pm, at Lanes Chapel Methodist Church, 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, under the direction of Stewart Funeral Home, Rev. Roy Thoene and Sheriff J.B. Smith officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, at Stewart Funeral Home 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler. Anyone wishing to make donations may do so to Flint Community Church or Pine Brook Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.

Chief Johnny Beddingfield

May 3, 1943 - August 4, 2017