Johnny Lynn Hendrix

Johnny Lynn Hendrix, 77, of Gilliand, TX passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Knox County Hospital. A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2025 at 1:30pm, at the Benjamin Ex-Student Building. Officiated by Riley Caver, under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Knox City.

John was born in Knox County Hospital on January 5, 1948, to B and Vivian Hendrix. He was welcomed home by his sisters LaNear, Pretrecia, and LaDocia. Two years later, in 1950, John's baby sister Francis was born.

John went to school in Knox City ISD and graduated from high school in 1967. He started work right after graduation. One of his first jobs was at the experimental seed farm northwest of Knox City. That job lasted for a few years, and then the domestication of that job wore off. John's roots bled back up to the top. Being raised west of Knox City, TX, on the Brazos River, his entire youth, and always being a cowboy at heart, he decided to live the rest of his life doing what he loved. John became known as one of the best cowpunchers to ever cross the Rolling Plains and West Texas area. Working on most, if not all, the ranches in the area at one time or another. John gained the respect of cowboys and ranchers everywhere as being a man of his word, a man of integrity, a man of strong character, and demonstrated toughness to a degree that most men can't obtain. John was known for riding good horses and being able to go catch wild cattle, no matter how challenging it might be. John has been quoted as saying, "that he never did much arena roping, but he sure liked to catch the wild ones in the brush." To the cowboys who had the opportunity to work alongside John, they would consider him as one of the best cowboys to ever throw his leg across a horse. If you were to ask them, they would consider themselves blessed to have had the chance to work with such a fine man.

John not only loved the cowboy life, but he also had a passion for hunting arrowheads, calling coyotes, and reading a wide range of books. All of these interests he picked up from his dad, B Hendrix.

John loved anything and everything that had to do with horses, cattle, and being out in God's creation.

John was preceded in death by his dad, B Hendrix, in 1984, his mother, Vivian in 2005, his sister LaNear Phillips in 2008, and his second-oldest sister, Pretrecia, in 2011.

John is survived by his beloved Rose Anne Riggs, his sisters LaDocia Morris and Francis Howell, his 5 nephews - Ken Morris, Danny Morris, George Howell, Kent Kinzer, and Kevin Kinzer, his 5 nieces - Jamie Morris, Susan Howell, Heather Phillips Appleton, Kimberly Kinzer Colbert, and Kristy Kinzer Barnett, and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. John will be greatly missed by all.

John will be remembered for many things: a great cowboy, a man's man, an arrowhead hunter, a great marksman, and a great teacher. He will be remembered for so much, but the greatest thing he will be remembered for is being a true friend to so many.

John lived a life of adventure for 40 years with his wife, Rose Anne Riggs. 

The only thing left to say is that John finished strong with Jesus, and at peace with the life he lived on this earth.

Love never fails, friendships never fade, and John Hendrix will be missed.

Long Live Cowboys and Long Live the memories of John Hendrix.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.