Deacon Johnell Conaway

Deacon Johnell Conaway of Tampa, FL, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606 with Reverend Leon Gallon, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Deacon Johnell Conaway, born on December 11, 1941, in Sanford, Florida, was the youngest of two sons to James and Natalie Conaway.  Deacon Johnell Conaway was affectionately known as “John”, “Pops” and “Paw Paw” and loved the Lord and his family.

Deacon Johnell Conaway, lovingly referred to as "John”, had a deep love for the Lord and was a wonderful conversationalist, always eager to lend a helping hand. He found joy in sharing good meals and cherished the affection of his grandchildren. Additionally, Johnell was an exceptional and talented bass guitar player. He was a former member of Loving Hill Primitive Baptist Church, where Elder Leroy Turner served as Pastor.

He was preceded in death by: his father, James Conaway; mother, Natalie Conaway; brother, Willis Conaway; nephews, Dennis Conaway and Derwin Conaway; grandson, Warren Mitchell Sr.; and beloved friend, Angela Edmond.

Deacon Conaway leaves behind a treasure trove of cherished memories, beautifully crafted with the unwavering support of his devoted former wife and dear friend, Evelyn Conaway, as well as his former spouse, Judy Conaway. He created countless joyful moments with his beloved children, which will forever be held close to their hearts: Wanda Conaway (Bubba), Ginell Jackson (Frank), Tasha Key-Wright (Reverend Dr. Lloyd Wright), JJ Conaway (Vickie), Zachary Conaway, and Jonas Conaway (Ashley). He also treasured his bonus children, Tommye Richardson, Leonard Richardson, Michael Richardson, Billy Richardson, Renea Kemp, and Mildred Williams (Dwayne).

His family includes: Edwina Sheppard, Jeanette Gilmer, and Maxine Hall; brothers-in-law, Michael Nichols (Deborah), Larry Ruffin (Bertha), Jerry Ruffin (Cynthia), Roosevelt Coleman (Eola), Leonard Coleman, Jimmy Nixon (Jeannie), and Jerome Nixon.

He leaves behind wonderful memories of his grandchildren: Wardell Mitchell, Elena Mitchell, Curtis Mitchell, Jovani Jackson, Charmonique Jackson (Montrell), Marquiel Jackson (Janaie), Keyona Jackson, Quinton Conaway, Journee Conaway, Antonette Wilson (Ian Sr.), Angela Wright, Quinn Weaver, Rolanda Johnson (Larrell), MinC Cayasso (Juvon), and many others, like Latanya, Towaynna, Tommeka, Tuccara, Santa, Leonardra, Lakesha, Tiara, Cory, Walter, Colly, Ajoni, Riana, Michael, Destyne, Delores, Marcello, LanC, and Terry.

He also had great-grandchildren: Warnisha Mitchell (Patrick), Warren Mitchell Jr., Anthony Howard, Issac Mitchell, Kaiden Degree, Khommyn Degree, Paighton Degree, Marnaie Jackson, True Jackson, Messiah Jackson, Syrianna Gustke, Ian Wilson II, Nhekia Nelson, Yanaijah Bond, and Jarren Ward.

Deacon Conaway was blessed with a wonderful bunch of great-great-grandchildren, including the lively duo, Zara and Patrick, whom he adored stepping in to lend a hand to their grandmother when it came to babysitting; along with beloved nieces and nephews, Natalie Conaway-Thomas (Johnny), Valerie Conaway, Brian Conaway (Vanessa), and Kelvin Conaway Sr. (Keisha), of Newark, NJ.

Deacon Conaway was fortunate to have wonderful cousins: including Blondevear Fields and family, as well as the Burch family, Theodore Wilder and family, and Nancy Harris-Ford and family. The love and support from extended families, such as the Jackson, Mitchell, Wright, and Patterson families, along with many cherished friends and loved ones, will always keep his memory alive. If your name was inadvertently left out, please understand it’s a reflection of our minds and not our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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