John Richard Pelfrey

John “Johnny” Pelfrey died Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington, WV.

Johnny was born April 3, 1949, in Louisa, KY. He was the youngest son of the late Charlie and Virgie Pelfrey. Johnny grew up in Ft. Gay, WV, and he graduated from Ft. Gay High School in 1967. After graduation, he briefly attended Marshall University before joining the IBEW Local 317. He worked as an electrician for more than 40 years. He married Rita Webb Pelfrey on October 17, 1970, and they were married until her passing in 2024. He was a long time member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church.

Johnny was a life long sports fan, and he especially loved cheering on the Marshall football and basketball teams. He was an athlete himself, and was inducted into the Fort Gay High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. Along with members of his church, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and helped construct several homes throughout Huntington. He and Rita enjoyed traveling, attending Marshall sporting events, going to estate sales, and hosting family gatherings. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Rebekah. He was one of her biggest cheerleaders, and always attended her performances and events, whether they were near or far.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his wife Rita, his brothers Larry Pelfrey and David Pelfrey, and his nephews Larry Mike Pelfrey and Robert Cox. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter and son in law, Amy and Stephen New of Beckley, WV, granddaughter Rebekah New, sister Donna (Tom) Flavell, sister in law Connie (Terry) Thompson, brother in law Jack (Karen) Webb, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, the Fort Gay High School Alumni Association, Hospice of Huntington, or the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation.

Visitation will be held at Reger Funeral Home, Huntington,  on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 12:00 -2:00 pm, with funeral services at 2:00 pm, in the Reger Funeral Chapel with Reverend Zach Bay officiating.  Burial will follow in Robertson Family Cemetery, Ft. Gay, WV.