John Phillip Small, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 20, 2026, at Lynchburg Nursing Center. He was born on October 8, 1949, to the late John Phillip Small, Sr., and Julia Isabel Fox Small. John was a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, TN, and a faithful member of First United Methodist Church.
A 1967 graduate of Central High School, John went on to earn his degree from the University of Tennessee before returning home to work for Small and Small Oil Company, a family business founded by his father in 1947. Through years of dedication and hard work, John eventually assumed leadership of the company, continuing its legacy in the community. He also served as a past president of the Tennessee Oil Marketers Association.
When not working, John found great enjoyment in tending to his cattle farm and spending time on the golf course. Above all else, he cherished his family and treasured the time spent with them, a devotion that remained at the heart of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vickie Allen Small; children, John Anthony (Tonya) Sack, Sondra (Robert) Luker, Christine (Boo) Bankston, and Phillip Small; and grandchildren, Julie Bankston, Carter Bankston, Isabella Luker, Colin Luker, Brittany Klatt, Madison Evans, and Jacob Miller. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, James Small.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Higgins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Higgins with Rev. Tommy Vann officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Phillip Small, Jr.
15 Comments To "John Phillip Small, Jr."
#1 Comment By Marcia Hughes On January 20, 2026 @ 3:40 pm
Christine and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for you during this difficult time.
#2 Comment By Claude Earl Fox III On January 20, 2026 @ 5:32 pm
John was younger than me but I knew his brother and his Mother. His grandfather was brother to my grandfather. In recent years, we were fortunate enough to host John and Vickie at our lakehousr in Alabama and enjoyed the time we had together. John was a fine man and I know he will be greatly missed
#3 Comment By Marsha Bradford On January 20, 2026 @ 6:07 pm
Vicki, Christine and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. God bless you during this troubling time.
#4 Comment By Jane Wilson Henry On January 20, 2026 @ 6:21 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Mr Small thru Ann Small. She was my best friend in high school.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
#5 Comment By Judy, Mike and Jonathan McLeod On January 20, 2026 @ 9:17 pm
Christine and family,
May God hold you in his arms as we hold you in our hearts and prayers. Know that we are here if you need us for any reason. Please give love to your mom, they were the sweetest couple and I always enjoyed running into them when we were out eating. You will remain in our prayers and thoughts.
#6 Comment By Sue Cary On January 20, 2026 @ 10:36 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you Vickie and family. John was a wonderful friend. God will give you the strength and comfort .
Psalms 46:10
#7 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On January 21, 2026 @ 9:39 am
Vickie, I’m sorry for your loss. May God provide comfort to you and your family.
#8 Comment By Fredna W. McAlister On January 21, 2026 @ 2:33 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with this sweet family during this difficult time🙏🙏🙏
#9 Comment By Pansy and Winston On January 21, 2026 @ 4:59 pm
Vicki, Winston and I are so sorry for your loss. You have been great friends, and we will miss John.
#10 Comment By Vicki Wade On January 21, 2026 @ 7:01 pm
Dear Vickie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Love,
Vicki
#11 Comment By Brenda Roles On January 21, 2026 @ 7:35 pm
I am so sorry for your loss of John. He was a good man and a friend. May God sustain you and wrap you in his loving arms.
#12 Comment By Ben King On January 22, 2026 @ 11:08 am
Condolences and prayers Vickie
#13 Comment By Phillip Buchanan On January 22, 2026 @ 11:39 am
I used to purchase from John when I worked for Eagle Snacks. He was always kind and took time to have a conversation whenever I came into the business. My deepest condolences during this difficult time. May you have the same comfort by which our Savior Jesus Christ has comforted us in times like these.
#14 Comment By Joe Luther On January 23, 2026 @ 11:06 am
So sorry to learn of John’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a great person.
#15 Comment By Sheree McGee On February 3, 2026 @ 9:52 am
Christine and family
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s death. I saw both your parents not too long ago. We had a great visit. Give your mom a hug for me.