Well done My good and faithful servant John Byrd Fanning, 69, of Madison, passed away Sunday, May 14, at St. Dominic Hospital. Johnny was born in Philadelphia, MS to Elbert and Kathleen Jones Fanning. Johnny was a Christian and a lifelong Methodist. He grew up in Philadelphia First United Methodist Church and was a long-time member of Parkway Hills United Methodist Church. He graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1973, where he was Class President (Jr Year) as well as Most Outstanding Running Back, Most Handsome, and Most Polite in his senior year. He attended East Central Community College, Mississippi State University, and the University of Mississippi, majoring in Business and Psychology. Johnny married the love of his life, Deanie Ballard of Aberdeen, MS, in November 1986. Together they lived, loved, laughed, and weathered all life’s ups and downs for 37 years. Johnny’s career was in outside sales, a vocation he loved and was perfectly suited for. He had a love for people that was unmatched. Johnny’s most important accomplishment in life was his son, Tyler. Every single moment of Tyler’s life was pure gold to Johnny. He never wanted to miss one minute of it. He was privileged to stand with Tyler as he married Taylor West in Destin, FL in November 2021, but the Joy of his life was the birth of his granddaughter and namesake, Heidi Byrd Fanning in November 2022. Nothing in his life compared to being a Dad and Paw Paw. Johnny also loved his friends, extended family, Granddog Frank, his Jeep, the Neshoba County Fair, horses, college football, and boiling peanuts to give away to all of Madison County. His joyous spirit, generosity, and total exuberance for life were extraordinary and will be missed by his family and all who knew him. Johnny is survived by his loving and devoted wife Deanie, his beloved son Tyler, his wonderful daughter-in-law Taylor, and his most precious namesake, his beautiful granddaughter, Heidi Byrd Fanning. He is also survived by a special mother-in-law, Marsha Ballard of Aberdeen, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy, and many dear family and friends. The reception line for Johnny in Heaven is long. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Harper Stone and the staff at Jackson Heart, Dr. Ruth Fredericks, and Dr. David Sullivan for their many years of loving and compassionate care of Johnny’s cherished heart. Their extraordinary efforts gave us many beautiful bonus years with our dear Johnny. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Johnny’s name to the American Heart Association or the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. He would love that. The arrangements are entrusted to Natchez Trace Funeral Home and will be led by Reverend Bruce Case. The Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 17th from 5-7 PM. The Funeral Service will be Thursday, May 18th at 10 AM with a short visitation at 9 AM. The burial service will be private.