Robert Clyde Johnson, affectionately known as “RC”, passed away peacefully on January 06, 2024. RC was preceded in death by parents James Mason and Johnnie Bea Crook; brothers: Freddy B Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Billy Johnson, and James (Sonny) Johnson; and son, Ronnie Sims Johnson.
RC was born in Huntsville, AL. June 27, 1940, where he remained for several years before moving to Chattanooga, TN. For a few years, upon his return to Huntsville, RC matriculated through the Huntsville City School System, and was a proud graduate of William Hooper Council High School. He eventually moved to pursue a career in Chicago, Illinois where he obtained his degree in Elementary Education. RC called Chicago home for more than twenty (20) years before returning to Huntsville, where he worked at various schools in the Huntsville City School System. This was his passion and earned RC many awards which includes “Teacher of the Year” and “Coach of the Year” and many other accolades for his dedication and service to his students. RC would remain with the Huntsville City School System until his retirement.
RC gave his life to Christ early on, attending Saint Rebecca Primitive Baptist Church located in Hazel Green, Alabama as a child with his family for many years. RC loved the Lord and would sing his praises literally as a member of the men’s choir. After returning to Huntsville, RC became a member of Lewis Chapel, The Good Shepherd CPCA, where he sang in the men’s choir. As Elder of the church, he served in many capacities, including the choir director, treasurer, and bible instructor and assisted in the overall welfare of the church. RC loved his church family dearly and attended any function the church, hosting and assisting in any way that he could. RC remained an active member at Lewis Chapel until his health declined.
In his teens, RC married Anna Margaret Sims, to which he was blessed with his beautiful children. He leaves to cherish in memory: Denise Johnson Ward (Trae), Marvin C. Johnson (Carolyn), Angela Lee (John), Pamela Johnson-Lloyd (Tony), Jacquelyn Russell, of Huntsville, AL, and Katari Washington; sisters: Katrina Smith, of Huntsville, AL, Pamela Moss, Nancy Hinton and Connie Miles, all out of Chattanooga, TN; nine (9) grandchildren, nineteen (19) great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
RC was also an active member of his community and loved his family dearly and was described by those who knew him as a kind and gentle man. Not a day went by when RC would not reach out to his family to check in, and catch up, offering words of encouragement, even in times when he was not feeling his best. Rest assured that he would give you a call to tell you how proud of you he was, and how “you sound so good” at least once a week. This was the highlight of the day for his family and friends. He would rarely skip a family function and could be found amongst his family for birthday celebrations, weddings, and many “just because” celebrations the family would have. He was not just a grandfather to his grandchildren but was a dear friend. He knew and spent time with all his great-grandchildren, creating memories that they will remember for a lifetime. He will truly be missed!
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Pastor Terrell Boyd as eulogist and Pastor Versey Jones officiating. Elder Johnson will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, and 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
