Donald Robert “Don” Johnson, 78, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at his daughter’s home. He was born September 25, 1935, in Cisco, Ill., to John Wilfred and Edna Johnson. He worked at JC Penney’s in Tupelo retiring in 2001 after 25 years of service. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on Dec. 5, 1957. He graduated from Free Will Bible College in Nashville, TN, in 1974. He was also a substitute teacher and worked at Sweet Cheeks Donut Shop in Fulton. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Fulton where he sang in the choir and taught the retired adults’ Sunday school class. He loved the Lord, his church, and his family. His passion was singing to anyone who would invite him.
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a. m. Friday, December 27, at the First Baptist Church in Fulton with Minister Russ Crosswhite and Bro. Joseph Jones officiating. Burial will be in Itawamba Memorial Gardens. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home of Fulton is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley Boys Johnson, whom he married Nov. 7, 1958; one son, Mark Johnson (Annette) of Boynton Beach, Fla.; one daughter, Sheri Rikard (Dale) of Peaceful Valley; two sisters, Lenita Scheese (Joe) of Terre Haute, Ind., and Martha Edwards (Larry) of Farmer City, Ill.; one brother, Eugene Johnson (Donna) of Spring Hill, Fla.; two granddaughters, Nicole Bean (Josh) and Mallory Rikard; and one grandson, Jonathan Rikard.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Sykes, Don Miles, Jackie Spradling, Derek Sheffield, Bobby Beard, and Earl Reese.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Sunday school class.
Visitation will be from 9 a. m. until service time Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, c/o First Baptist Church, 108 Piercetown Road, Fulton, MS 38843.
