Emmanuel Malik Johnson, better known as Manny, age 29 of Cookeville, TN passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Cookeville, TN. He was an angel and a kindhearted special person that everyone loved. Also had a smile that would light up a room. Manny loved watching and playing football and also loved kids. He achieved many obstacles in his life that others said he wouldn’t be able to do. Manny was proud to be a soldier and served in the Army National Guard, was a Nurse at Oak Ridge Hospital, had a degree in machinery & was graduating as a massage therapist.
Manny is survived by his parents, Gary and Karen Harness of Clinton, TN; brother, Calvin Harness and wife Wendy of Claxton, TN; sisters, Heather Holt and husband Brian of Clinton, TN, and Jennifer Phillips and Jacob Carroll of Clinton, TN
“Born to be a somebody, not a nobody, that is why you work hard and do your best, and don’t let nobody bring you down because one day you’ll make something big of yourself someday so keep fighting on.”
My earliest memory of Manny was when we were really little, like 4ish. It's just a little snippet, but it was of us playing in my room. We didn't see each other often as kids until we were teenagers. My favorite memories are of listening to him play his guitar and sing and his smile and his laugh. It lit up the room, and was completely contagious. He was light-hearted and hilarious and quick to laugh. We always had fun when we hung out. Love you Manny ❤️
One of my favorite memories of Manny is when he randomly took me, my Mamaw, Papaw, & my daughter to the mountains without telling us where we were going. I was 9 months pregnant in a tank top & shorts because it was summer… & we ended up on a freezing, snowy mountain. That was just how he was spontaneous & always turning a simple day into an adventure.
He did so much in his life & meant so much to so many people. I miss him more than words can say, & life will never be the same without him. I’ll always hold onto the memories.
