Rodney Owen Johnson, 63, of Elkmont, Alabama, passed away on September 24, 2026. Born on July 18, 1963, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Rodney was the son of the late Ross Leon Johnson and Lois Juanita Johnson.
Rodney was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared 42 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Katherine Elaine Johnson. Together, they built a life centered around their devotion to the Lord and love of their family.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Katherine; his children, Benjamin Johnson and wife Tina Dascoli Johnson, Samuel Johnson and wife Amber Belletti Johnson, and Thomas Johnson and wife Rylie Johnson; and his grandchildren, Teylie Blanton, Isla Johnson, and Penelope Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross Johnson and Lois Johnson, and his siblings, Roger Johnson and Carol Johnson Howard.
A true worshipper at heart, one of his great loves was to serve Jesus and he felt closest to his creator while leading worship. He was deeply passionate about his practice of the violin. Rodney enjoyed being a part of the Huntsville adult symphony classes, and would play during service at his home church, The Rock Family Worship Center, where he served as an elder alongside his wife, Katherine.
Born and raised in Knoxville, Rodney was a proud Volunteer and that passion ran deep. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in biomedical engineering and dedicated more than 41 years to working as an aerospace engineer. He took great pride in his work and loved being a faithful provider for his family. Being a Volunteer was a defining part of who he was and was something he loved sharing with those around him.
Rodney was known for his wonderful and unique sense of humor. His ability to make people laugh was like no other and always had a new dad joke up his sleeve. He loved his family deeply and was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Yet above all the things he loved in this life, Rodney loved Jesus.
His faith was not simply something Rodney believed; it was the foundation of his life. He faithfully served the Lord and desired for the people around him to know the hope he had found in Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was that his family, friends, and everyone he encountered would know Jesus personally, and experience the salvation, hope, and eternal life found in Him. More than anything else he accomplished or enjoyed in this life, Rodney wanted the people around him to know Jesus and spend eternity with Him.
Though his family will deeply miss him, they do not grieve without hope. They have the assurance that Rodney is now in the presence of his Savior, worshiping Jesus forever. The greatest testimony of Rodney’s life is not what he accomplished, but who he belonged to.
“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’” — John 11:25–26
Rodney’s life is now complete in Christ. His family’s prayer is that those who read these words will consider the hope Rodney had and come to know the Jesus he loved, served, and worshiped.
His memorial service will be held on October 11 at 2:00 p.m. at The Rock Family Worship Center, 1594 Old Railroad Bed Rd., Harvest, AL 35749. The service will include a time of worship and a message celebrating Rodney’s life his love of Jesus. Casual attire is requested.
