John B. Kuykendall

Smithville—John B. “Big John” Kuykendall, 63, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at his home in Smithville. He was born in Amory on May 15, 1956 to Robert L. and Estyle Pennington Kuykendall. Raised in Smithville, he was a graduate of Smithville High School where he was a member of the Smithville Seminole Football Team. John was a 45 year employee of ITT Fabrivalve, and he also owned and operated Big John’s Bait Shop for over 25 years and he was a deer processor. He enjoyed the outdoors whether hunting and fishing or being on his tractor. John loved a good deal and could be frequently found at auctions or trading with someone and he was a mainstay for the annual Trash and Treasures along the Tenn-Tom yard sale. An avid collector of World War II memorabilia, he also enjoyed Native American history, collecting arrowheads. John was a man of deep faith, a member of Smithville Baptist Church, and he was always willing to share his testimony with others. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2019 at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home in Amory with Bro. Mike Todd and Bro. Ben Howell officiating. Burial will follow in the Young Memorial Gardens in Smithville. In addition to his wife, Debra Carter Kuykendall, he is survived by two sons, John Bryce Kuykendall, II and Joseph Kuykendall both of Smithville; one daughter, Melissa Kuykendall Beach (Aubrey) of Smithville; one brother, Larry Kuykendall (Diane); two sisters, Judy Kuykendall Thompson and Rebecca Williams (Ricky) all of Smithville; aunt, Quay Nash; aunt and uncle, Ralph and Jane Kuykendall; numerous nieces and nephews, a host of cousins and friends, and special friend, Scott Christensen; and he was excitedly expecting a granddaughter in July. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Aubrey Beach, Nathan Kuykendall, Ben Kennedy, Kyle Knight, Ricky Williams, Scott Christensen, and Jeremy Carroll. Honorary pallbearers will be his friends at ITT. Visitation will be on Thursday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 212 North Main Street, Amory, Mississippi 38821. Online condolences may be shared with the family at clevelandmoffettfuneralhome.com