Johnny Hamilton Small Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on August 1, 2024; he was 77 years old. Johnny was born on January 24, 1947, in Monroe, North Carolina, to Johnie H. Sr. and Margaret Canupp Small.

Johnny graduated from Monroe High School in 1965. After graduating from Central Peidmont Community College, he was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He served from 1968 to 1980, achieving the rank of US Army Sergeant 1st Class E-7, stationed in South Korea, Italy, Germany, Ft. Sill, Ft Bliss, Oklahoma, and the White Sands Missile Range.

He married the love of his life, Maria Rodriguez Small, in 1971 and had five children. After leaving the services, Johnny moved to Hobbs in the early 80's as he worked for GTE and retired in the early 2000's.

In his retirement years, Johnny loved to walk around town talking to people and sharing the love of Christ with them all.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Maria Rodriguez Small, of 54 years of marriage; his sister, Elaine Small Morgan of Linville, NC; his five children, Susie Small Jaramillo of Hobbs; Richard Small of Los Lunas, NM; Nancy Small Goad (Kendall) of Hobbs; Betty Small Nixon (Rex) of Hobbs; John Mike Small (Sara) of Hobbs; 10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie H. Sr. and Margaret Canupp Small, and his sister, Kathryn Small Helms.

Johnny had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith to receive the crown of righteousness and to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."