Dr. Johnny Ray Johnson, age 85, of Florence, passed away suddenly, Sunday, November, 15, 2015. He was born and raised in Chatham, LA. Visitation with friends and family will be Friday, November 20, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara; sons, Todd Johnson, Ft. Worth, TX, John Johnson, Nashville, TN; daughter, Shauna Johnson, Decatur, AL; step-son, Andrew Kennedy, Oviedo, FL; step-daughter, Louisa Kennedy, Florence, AL; grandsons: Addison, Peyton Johnson, Ft. Worth, TX., Christian, Simon, Holden, Gillon Johnson, Nashville, TN, Shea Vanderlinden, Decatur, AL; granddaughter: Brett Vanderlinden, Decatur, AL; step grandson: Luke Kennedy, Oviedo, FL; brother-in-law: John H. Mills, Seattle, WA; several nieces and nephews and three special sisters-in-law: Frances Johnson, Birmingham, AL, Martha Johnson, West Monroe, LA and Betty Mills, Seattle, WA.
Johnny was predeceased by his parents, Bessie and Dave Johnson; sister, Thetis Davidson; brothers Wayne and David Johnson; and step granddaughter Kelly Kennedy.
Johnny combined his love of ballroom dancing with choreography, travel and learning, especially history, and was a patron of the arts. Johnny had a giving heart for Native American children of the Southwest. He also believed in preserving the natural wonder of our national parks and supported conservation through the National Wildlife Association. He helped those less fortunate every day, locally and afar.
His family shares and honors his achievements:
Bachelor of Science degree, Louisiana Tech University, 1951; MS, Auburn University, 1953, PhD, 1959; He was a registered professional engineer in Louisiana; Member Staff Combat Ops Research Group, Ft. Monroe, Virginia, summer 1957; Assistant Professor of Math, Louisiana Tech University, 1958-62; Associate Professor of Math, Appalachian State University, 1962-63; Professor of Electrical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 1963-83, Professor Emeritus; Mathematician, Boeing Company, New Orleans, LA, summer 1965; Adjunct Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, 1976-77, Engineering Specialist, General Dynamics, 1983-84; Professor of Math, University of North Alabama, 1984-95, Professor Emeritus.
Author: Introduction To Digital Signal Processing, 1989; with David E. Johnson: Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics, 1965; Graph Theory With Engineering Applications, 1972; Linear Systems Analysis, 1975; Introductory Electric Circuit Analysis, 1981; A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The White House, 1983; revised edit., 2004, 2007; with David. E. Johnson and Harry P. Moore: A Handbook of Active Filters, 1980; with David E. Johnson, John L. Hilburn and Peter D. Scott: Basic Electric Circuit Analysis, 1978; 5th edit., 1995; Electric Circuit Analysis 1989, 3rd edit, 1997.
Johnny served with the U.S. Army, 1954-56; Member IEEE (sr., 1968-93, Centennial medal, 1984); University of North Alabama Institute for Learning in Retirement (V.P, Chairman, Curriculum Com. 1997-98, Treasurer 1998-99); Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Eta Kappa Nu, Pi Mu Epsilon.
