Johnny Ray Kokoski, age 71, of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at his home surrounded by his wife and family. He was born on May 17, 1955, in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, to the late John Joseph Kokoski and Joan Frances (Coposky) Kokoski. He was a member of North Second Street Church of Christ. A highly decorated Black Hawk pilot in the United States Army, John served his country for over 30 years as an Army Ranger serving in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and the Liberation of Kuwait before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. After retirement he continued to serve this great nation as a Flight Simulation Instructor for active Army helicopter pilots and retired in 2021 after serving 48 years in civil service. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan Kokoski; and sister, Delores Behun. John is survived by his devoted loving wife, Anita Justice-Kokoski; children, Johnathan Kokoski (Jenna), Christopher Kokoski (Aude Johnson), Saylor Kokoski (Katie Hemauer), Scout Kokoski, Kris Justice (Courtney), Krystal Knight (Ty), Gregory Kokoski (Mazzy), Theresa Willis (Robby), Graciella Kokoski, and Tallulah Kokoski; brothers, Mark Kokoski (Sheila) and Martin Kokoski (Gina); sisters, Nancy Straw (Carl), Roseann Tripp (Bob), and Joyce Oliver (Phil); and 17 grandchildren. Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 1pm in the Chapel of Cheatham County Funeral Home with Jason Sage and John Hazelwood officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 3pm to 7pm and Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 11am until the service hour of 1pm. Serving as pallbearers will be Nick Kokoski, Tyler Knight, Grayson Kokoski, Silas Cuenca, Gunner Baggett, Will Knight, and Bobby Knight. Honorary pallbearers are John Hazelwood, Shepherd Kokoski, and Mike McCracken. John will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Cheatham County Funeral Home LLC 615-792-2552 online condolences may be made at cheathamcountyfh.com