Mr. John "Johnny" Thomas Gingles

John “Johnny” Thomas Gingles, age 74, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on January 6, 2026.

Johnny was born on July 1, 1951, in Murray, Kentucky, to Rob and Gwen (Nance) Gingles. He graduated from Murray High School in 1969 and Murray State University in 1973.

He taught physical education at North Elementary and, over his 27-year career, coached various sports at Calloway County High School. Upon retiring from teaching, he continued to work and serve the community as the elected District Four Magistrate for 23 years. In addition, he served eight years as a member of the Murray-Calloway County Parks Board and 20 on the Calloway County Board of Health. In 2011, Governor Steve Beshear appointed him a Kentucky Colonel.

Johnny was also well known for his hobbies and side businesses, including starting and running the Penny Pumpkin Patch in 1992 with his children. In 2008, he established the Penny Grocery Museum, filled with Calloway County historical memorabilia. An avid collector, he collected everything from baseball cards and antique signs to Murray and Calloway County memorabilia.

He enjoyed Murray State and University of Kentucky sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the St. Louis Cardinals, and playing and watching golf. He was a member of Glendale Road Church of Christ. Most recently, he authored the book Growing Up in Calloway County in the 50’s and 60’s: My Memories.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Gingles, who passed away at home on December 30, 2025; a sister he lost at birth, Nancy Ann Gingles; and his longtime loyal companion, his dog Chester.

He is survived by his mother, Gwen; his son Rob Gingles and wife Kayla of Murray; his son Hunter Gingles of Murray; and his daughter, Ellen Prinzi of Jupiter, Florida. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Luke and Samantha Prinzi, Piper Gingles, Sawyer McCuiston, Aiden Marr, Lukas Mitchell, Bella McCadams, and Zayne Barnard.

He leaves behind his beloved dog, Finnie, who fiercely watched over him in his final years.

Visitation will be held at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with a private family burial to follow. John Dale will officiate the funeral service. This will be a joint service with his brother, Jimmy Gingles.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Penny Grocery Museum, c/o Hunter Gingles at 175 Coleman Trail, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com