John Edward Softly was born on September 25, 1943 in Hearne, TX. On the evening of Monday, March 30, 2015, John answered his Master’s call and entered rest at the age of 71. John Softly is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Rose Ann Softly; two brothers, Nelson Wilson Jr. and Dr. Billy Joe Softly; Ocell Jernigan (brother-inlaw); and Lottie White (sister-n-law). John attended BlackshireHigh School where he played football and baseballand sung in the choir with a quartet. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1964 to serve and protect our greatnation in the Vietnam War. He later moved to Dallas, Texas and married Ermon L. Thompson. From this union Kendra Diane Softly was born. John married Mattie P. Thomas of Louisiana in 2007. John attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He had a 16 year tenure in law enforcement as one the first black deputy constables at Precinct No.7, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, and later became a Special In vestigator with the District Attorney’s Office. John accepted Christ at an early age at Old Elam Baptist Church located in Hearne, TX and became a member at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to travel, sports, help veterans, and spend time with his family. John leaves behind his wife, Mattie P Jernigan-Thomas of Desoto, TX, Sabrina Worthy (Andre) of Cedar Hill, TX, and Terri Thomas of Cedar Hill, TX; a son, Kevin Thomas (Joy) of Lancaster, TX; a sister, Dr. Mary H. Softly-Welch of Washington, DC; two brothers, Reverend Robert G. Softly (Josephine) of Sherman, TX and Charles Ray Softly (Carolyn) of Hearne, TX. John will not be forgotten by his 6 grand children; Mason, Chad, Airell, Steven, Tessa, Ayo and Kayla, as well as, a host of other relatives and friends.
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