Johnnie Earl Shamblin of Eddy passed away at the age of 86 surrounded by family and friends March 26, 2014 in Temple, Texas.Visitors are invited to reminisce and give respects from 3p to 5p Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Cole Funeral Home, 1113 West 5th St., McGregor, Texas.Johnnie Earl was born March 14, 1928 in Moody, Texas to Charlie Otis and Myrtle Theresa (Sims) Shamblin. He graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1945 from Moody High School. Johnnie Earl entered the United States Navy in 1946 serving in WWII. He later attended Southwestern University in Georgetown. Johnnie Earl worked as a Personnel Officer for the Veterans Administration for over 30 years retiring in March of 1983. Johnnie Earl married the love of his life that he affectionately referred to as "His Little Lamb", Jeanette (Massey). They were married for over 50 years until her passing in 2005. He volunteered at Moody Nursing home. He loved gardening, growing orchards, pecan trees and all sorts of other plants. His favorite pastimes included Dominoes where he was known as a "Cut Throat" player. Johnnie Earl was an avid reader and history buff and in his younger days loved to fish. He absolutely loved his family, with an open door policy; he was always there whenever his family and friends needed him. He will remain loved and missed by his niece and caregiver, Dianna Caldwell of Eddy, TX; son Ron Massey and wife Loretta of Morgan, GA; daughter, Patricia Watts and husband Dan of Flat Rock, NC; 7 grandchildren, Kelly, Michelle, Clifton, Marla, Brian, Angie and Anthony; 5 great grandchildren, Ivy, Parker, Devan, Harris, and Stephen and numerous nieces and nephews.The family wishes to give special acknowledgments to Bud and Mary Helen Thomas, Nita and Sammie Davis, Darrel and Tammy Boling, the friendship and memory of Ernest Corbitt who preceded him in death, Interim Healthcare Systems, and Western Hills Nursing Home.Arrangements under the direction of Cole Funeral Home, McGregor, TX.