John "Johnny" Melvin Dees, age 99, of Jacksonville, Florida, went home to Heaven on Thursday, October 30, 2025. He was born in Lyons, Georgia, on July 28, 1926, to Elisha and Lebertha (Kight) Dees. Mr. Dees spent two years in the Navy from 1944-1946. He worked for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad and the Seaboard Railroad before retiring from CSX Railroad after 42 years of service. Johnny was a longtime member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville before joining West Jacksonville Baptist Church eight years ago. He loved his family and church family, and most especially loved family events surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Dees was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Mae Dees, in 1984 and grandson, Ted Steven Walker, in 1998. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Johnnie Mae Dees; son, John Melvin Dees, Jr. (Brenda); daughter, Connie Dianne Walker (Ted); sister, Maudie Lee Eason; 3 stepsons, Dan Bevan (Bridget), John Bevan (Carol) and Keith Bolton; 2 stepdaughters, Gail Moore (Terry) and Theresa Gearing (J.C.); along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at West Jacksonville Baptist Church, 5634 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville with Pastor Rodney Kelley officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park. Arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806.