Johnny Ray Prentiss

Johnny Ray Prentiss, 64 years old, of Carlsbad, NM, passed peacefully on September 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on December 6, 1961, in Roswell, NM, to Jeri Prentiss and biological father David Childers. John was lovingly adopted and raised by Bob Prentiss who became a father in every way that mattered and played an important role throughout his life.

John married Vickie, the love of his life, on May 29, 1982. They built an amazing life full of memories with their 4 beautiful kids and 11 grandkids.

Johnny was a loving husband, father, Papa John, brother, son, and friend who will be remembered for his kind heart, generosity, sense of humor, strength, work ethic, strong faith, and his pickle! He treasured his time spent with his family and created memories that will be carried in their hearts forever.

John graduated from Victory Christian Academy in May of 1979. He went to work at N-Ren in 1980 and worked there until they closed in 1986. John then went to work for Conoco in Maljamar, NM, in the summer of 1986 and worked in the gas plants where he worked his way to the area manager for many years until 2024. He also started a pest-control company in 1991 and worked it for many years.

John loved many things- God, family, country, guns, guitars, music, and candy. John was the youth leader and sound man for many years, and he led the praise and worship team. He had such a love for music.

Johnny was preceded in death by his biological father, David Childers; his grandparents; his brother-in-law, Mike David; and most recently his father-in-law, Charles Kirkes.

Johnny was survived by his wife of 44 years, Vickie Prentiss; his children, Krista Rawe and husband Joe, Chelsey Kimbley and husband Jay, Kali Jo Kruegel and husband Jack, and Caleb Ray Prentiss and wife Thailyza; his grandchildren, Chuck (Kaitlyn), Kenzie Ray, and Chase (Kilee) Rogers, Kyndal, Macyn Jo, Payton, and Landry Kimbley, Karsyn Jo and Brady Kruegel, Greydi John and Greylani Joan Prentiss, and one great-grandbaby on the way, Cooper Hayes Rogers; parents, Bob and Jeri Prentiss; sister, Tricia Davis and husband Bruce; brother, Jimmy Prentiss; mother-in-law, Barbara Kirkes; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his memory will live on through the family he loved, the lives he touched, and many memories he left behind.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of John's life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Calvary Assembly of God with Pastor Michael Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Prentiss, Caleb Prentiss, Joe Rawe, Jack Kruegel, Jay Kimbley, and Keith Settle. Honorary Pallbearers are Clint David, Randy Peacock, Jeff Driver, Bob Mallett, Chuck Rogers, Chase Rogers, Brady Kruegel, Greydi John Prentiss, and Baby Cooper Rogers.