Saltville, Virginia

John Timothy Hess, age 64, entered Heaven on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, where the songs are sweeter and the music never ends.

Anyone who knew John knew that music was more than something he enjoyed; it was part of who he was. He was an avid music lover with a taste that stretched across just about every genre imaginable. John didn’t discriminate when it came to good music, and over the years he built a collection so large that his family often joked it would take a bus to haul it all. And he didn't just listen to music; he knew music. John had a remarkably sharp mind and could hear a song and tell you who sang it and when it came out. His best friend would also warn you that you certainly didn't want to tell him he was wrong, or, as Tony put it, "he might whoop you." John was also a proud graduate of the Rich Valley Steers Class of 1980. And "proud" may be putting it mildly.

He was just as comfortable around a pool table as he was around his music collection. John loved shooting pool with his best friend Tony. He enjoyed watching game shows but didn't see any reason the game show needed to interfere with his music. The television would be on, the volume would be down, and his music would be turned up. He could keep up with what was happening on the screen while listening to whatever song suited him at the moment. It was the best of both worlds as far as John was concerned. He knew how to enjoy the things that made him happy. Those quirks, stories, laughs, and unmistakable pieces of his personality are exactly what made him so special to the people who knew him best and why there will never be another quite like John.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene “Dope” and Louise Sturgill Hess; and nephews, Randy E. Lyles and Brian Hess.

John is survived by his siblings, Linda and Randall Lyles of Chilhowie, VA, Clayton Hess of LaFollette, TN, and James “Jimbo” D. Hess of Marion, VA; several nieces and nephews, including Lori Murdock and Derrick, Shelley Fariss, Bradley Hess, Brooke Hess, Kenny Hess, and Casey Hess; numerous cousins, including Mark Hess and wife, Sue, and Barry Hess and wife, Anita; special friends, Tony Fullen and wife, Kim; and a host of many other loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Arthur Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 1404 Mount Pleasant Drive, Saltville, VA 24370. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. for the procession. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Randall Lyles, Derrick Murdock, Lucas and Landon Murdock, and Tony Fullen, Tod Lyles with Mark and Barry Hess, Wes Hess, Ethan and Bradley Hess serving as honorary pallbearers.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Timothy Hess.