Obituary: Johnny R. Johnson

Johnny R. Johnson, age 81, of Oak Ridge, went to be with the Lord Sunday, April 13, at Methodist Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and Pastor Brian Scott.

He was born Oct. 29, 1932, in Dayton, Tenn., the son of Claude and Gertrude Morgan Johnson.

Mr. Johnson served in the Tennessee National Guard and the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1966 and served in the Korean War. He worked at the K-25 plant for 30 years and at the Y-12 plant for 17 years, retiring in December 1999. He loved fishing, flower gardening, holiday get-togethers, and visiting with friends and family. He was a member of Robertsville Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William James Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bessie Noni-V Blackburn Johnson; and daughters, Kathryn Stewart and husband Danny of Oak Ridge, Sandra Jones and husband Ronnie of Knoxville, and Teresa Galyon and husband David of Oak Ridge.

He was affectionately known as “Pops” to grandchildren, John Stewart, Brandon Stewart and wife Bridget, Jeannie Tennant and husband Josh, Veronica Jones and husband James, Melanie Galyon, and Calie Galyon and fiancé Ryan Lynn; and great-grandchildren, Jace Tennant, Jaxton Tennant, and Kimber Jones. He is also survived by his sister Jeanne McCoy of Oak Ridge, and brother Robert Johnson and wife Glenna of Hixon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses of Professional Case Management for their loving care and kindness.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Brian Scott officiating. Family and friends will meet on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for a graveside service. Military honors will be provided by the Tennessee National Guard.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.