Johnny Raymond Solsbee, 83, of Etowah, TN passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Born on March 19, 1943, to the late Fred and Lucille Solsbee. He graduated from University of Tennessee in 1966. He was a long-time member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

Johnny will be remembered as man who cared deeply about his family and his community. Johnny began his career working at both the McMinn and Meigs County Health Departments before becoming a full-time dairy farmer for many years. He taught his family about grit, hard work, and compassion while operating the farm. He was often called upon by fellow farmers to assist with a cow struggling in labor. His efforts and passion were recognized by earning the McMinn County Farmer of the Year.

Early in his career, he displayed his passion for public service as a McMinn County Commissioner. After moving on from farming, he worked as the McMinn County Assistant Highway Commissioner before serving as Etowah City Manager. He served in this capacity for 12 years until he retired. While serving as city manager, he won several honors including the 1999 City Manager of the Year by the American Society for Public Administration and Etowah Chamber Man of the Year. 

Today his legacy will live on as the city honored him in 2024 by naming one of the roads in the North Etowah Industrial Park “John Solsbee Way”.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lucille Solsbee; siblings, Wayne Solsbee and Carolyn Truelove.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Linda Johnson Solsbee, sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Tammy Solsbee, Brian and Darla Solsbee; grandchildren, Brandon, Connor, Cooper, and Jake.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pat Summitt Foundation, P.O Box 31002 Knoxville, TN 37930 or by visiting https://donate.patsummitt.org. Also, donations can be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 306 Etowah, TN 37331.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2026 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Pierce officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Monday prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service in Mars Hill Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Donna and Wayne, as well as the nurses from Hospice of Chattanooga.