Johnny Sinkfield

Calling hours Friday, May 28, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church, 1650 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207. Interment Eastlawn Cemetery.

Johnny Lee Sinkfield Sr. was born February 22, 1959 in Key West, Florida. He was the youngest child of six born to Eddie B. and Dorothy Lee Sinkfield. On May 19, 2021, Johnny peacefully transitioned from the Kobacker House (Columbus, Ohio) to his new heavenly home to be with The Lord.

At a young age, Johnny and his family relocated to Ohio from Florida.  Johnny attended Mohawk Junior/Senior High School, graduating in 1977.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1983.

While attending Franklin Junior High School, he enjoyed spending time at Blackburn Recreation Center and hanging out on the eastside of Columbus’ notorious “Oak Street.  There, he met the love of his life, Denise Childs. On August 25, 1980, they were married at Camp LeJeune in Jackson, North Carolina.

Johnny was employed at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center for 26 years.  Most recently, he worked in Student Life Services at The Ohio State University, in Lincoln and Morrill Towers for 8 years.

Johnny enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, and cooking Sunday dinners. He especially liked watching lifetime movies with his grandkids, (His favorite movie was “Full Metal Jacket” that reminded him of his Marine days when he needed a good laugh.), and his three favorite teams - The Ohio State Buckeyes, Miami Hurricanes, and Miami Dolphins - play football. 

Johnny was preceded in death, by his mother and father, Dorothy Lee and Eddie B. Sinkfield; stepsister, Lorell Loveless; stepbrothers, Allen and Albert Loveless; brother, Eddie James Sinkfield; and his stepmother, Mary Inez Sinkfield.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Denise Sinkfield; daughter, LeAndra (Joseph) Coles; son, Johnny Lee Sinkfield Jr.; grandchildren, Larenz, Joseph, and Kennedi Coles; mother-in-law, Ruby M. Childs; brother, John (Paula) Churn; sisters, Dorothy Sinkfield-Hawkins, Mary Louise Sinkfield-Hill, Anna Marie Sinkfield, and Maryann (Troy) Sinkfield-Tanner; sisters-in-law, Gwen, Yvonne, Vickie, Deborah, Phyllis, Tracy, and Pamela; brothers-in-law, Ben, Terry, and Bill; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and his extended Ohio State Family at Lincoln and Morrill Towers.

Johnny was a man who was greatly loved and will be missed by his family and his close friends.

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