Alfred Rayburn Johnson, 88, of Huntsville passed away December 28, 2022. He was born August 12, 1934, to Raymond and Ethel Johnson in Houston but moved to Mobile at age two. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1951 and Auburn University in 1957. He served his country for 20 years in the Alabama National Guard, retiring as a Major. He met his adoring wife, Jan, on a blind date and they were married in August 1964. His professional career consisted of 25 years as a civil servant, working for the Army Missile Command and Strategic Defense Command, developing life cycle costs for the Stinger, Hellfire, Patriot, MLRS and many other systems. He continued his cost analyst work in the private sector for another 15 years.
Al was an avid tennis player into his 80’s and faithfully devoted to his children and grandchildren – coaching and attending countless sporting events, dance competitions, school events, and anything else they were involved in. His other passions in life were traveling and serving others. Living out his mantra of “help someone”, he spent years tutoring elementary and middle school students in math, parenting foster children and meeting the needs of countless people in the community. He served as treasurer at his church, Weatherly Heights Baptist, where he and Jan attended for 50 years.
Al is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan; his three children, Bryan (Kenda) Johnson, Scott (Carrie) Johnson, and Kelly (Garrett) Doss; his eight grandchildren, Blake (Brianna), Clay, Rachel, Sam (Olivia), Jackson, Abby, Andrew, and Elisabeth; and his great-grandson, Brooks.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 31 from 9:00-11:00 AM at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM. A private graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In remembrance of Al’s life, the family has asked for donations to be made to Rock Steady Boxing (Rocket City), a resource for people battling Parkinson’s Disease, 2200 Drake Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805.
