Rickey Lamar Johnson, July 19, 1952 – August 3, 2023. We invite you to celebrate his life with us Sunday, August 6, at Whorton Bend Baptist Church, 2028 Whorton Bend Road. Family visitation 1:00-1:30, Friends 1:30-3:00, and service at 3:00. Chris Crain and Shane Bryson will officiate. Grandsons, nephews, and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Rick was born to Gordon and Betty Johnson. He has two surviving siblings, Diane Lacy and Gordon Johnson, as well as one deceased sibling, Joe Holloway. He loved each one of them dearly. He was married for 51 years to Sue Bone Johnson. It wasn’t nearly long enough. He loved her well and fierce. Together they raised their cherished children,Brandon Johnson and Brandie Johnson. If you knew him, you know he could not have been prouder. He let everyone know about their accomplishments. He loved Aimee Johnson like a daughter. We all know how he felt about two little boys – Kutter and Kolt Johnson, who will have the most amazing memories of their pawpaw. A host of nieces and nephews knew they were loved as he checked on them on a regular basis. Dot Garmon was a special aunt to Rick. So many friends had a special place in his heart. I cannot even begin to name you all. You know who you are. He thought of you as family.
Rick graduated from Southside High School and Gadsden State with a degree in Architectural Design. Over the years he drew up plans for many homes in Etowah county. He became a tool and die maker, which was his passion. After 27 years with Dixie Tool and Die he retired. “Sort of” retired, as he did many errands for all of us. Gladly and wholeheartedly he served. Whorton Bend Baptist Church had a special place in his heart. He came to know the Lord and was baptized there, serving for nearly his entire life. He was ordained as a Deacon and served on many committees. Loving mission work, he was Director of Men’s Ministry for years. He loved leading and the RA program and mentoring teenage boys, as well as serving his church, family, and neighbors with joy and kindness. He knew the importance of Bible study and started many men’s groups. Rick cared for and ministered through visiting and loving folks with many acts of kindness. Taking friends to doctors appointments or helping with chores they could not do was routine. He never found it to be a burden and relentlessly served. He rarely missed any event in which Kutter or Kolt were participants. May of his days were spent on the ball field. Joy was found in all they did. Baseball was his love and he will tell you that Brandon does it better than anyone. Brandie had his heart the minute she was born. He was so proud of her accomplishments and the woman she is today. He is survived by many of his hunting buddies. He would look forward to October. We loved all of his stories and he loved telling us. You all have heard about the big buck he was tracking! A host of friends will miss him. We will miss him. He was good for our soul. We will cherish every single memory and hold him in our hearts until we come face to face again. He was our everything. I would announce to the hospital room full of medical personnel as he took his last breath that he is more alive today than he was yesterday. Well done my beloved. Well done.
