Donnie Johnson

Donnie Johnson, 76, of Ridgely, Tennessee, died on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born Monday, January 16, 1950, in Lake County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Madie Lucille Hearod Johnson  and the later Fred Walker Johnson.

Donnie  was a man who truly loved life and the people who shared it with him. An outdoorsman at heart, he found great joy in hunting and fishing, especially when he was alongside his sons and his special friend, Claude Salmon. Whether on the water, in the woods, or gathered around family and friends, Donnie treasured every opportunity to create memories with those he loved.

Known for his gift of conversation, Donnie never met a stranger. His warm personality, friendly smile, and genuine interest in others allowed him to cultivate countless friendships throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing stories, laughter, and fellowship with everyone he encountered.

Donnie was also gifted with his hands and enjoyed making and building things. He took pride in creating, fixing, and crafting whatever project captured his attention. In addition, he was an excellent cook whose meals became cherished family traditions. 

Above all else, Donnie's greatest love was his family. His wife, children, and loved ones were the center of his world, and he devoted his life to caring for and supporting them. The love he shared with his family was evident in everything he did, and the memories they created together will be treasured forever.

Donnie was Pentecostal by faith and found strength and guidance in his belief in God throughout his life.

Funeral services for Mr. Johnson will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Dr. Gene Stafford. Visitation for Mr. Johnson will be held on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of fifty-five years, Sharon Faye Parrish Johnson of Ridgely, Tennessee; on son, Samueal Johnson (Leeann) of Ripley, Tennessee; one daughter, Cynthia Johnson Tipps (Rodney) of Ridgely, Tennessee; three brothers, Oscar "Sonny" Johnson of Tiptonville, Tennessee, Fred Johnson of Tiptonville, Tennessee and James Billy Johnson (Paulette) of Clifton, Tennessee; one sister, Patty Staggs of Ridgely, Tennessee; special friends Claude and Teresa Salmon of Tiptonville, Tennessee and he was "Papa" to his twenty grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by on  son, Donnie Johnson, Jr., one daughter, Lana Kay Paz; two grandson, Dustin Blake McLean and John Lynn McLean and three sisters, Peggy Laverne Hicks, Maybell Simmons and Mamie Lucille Tubbs and one brother, Jeffrey Carlton Johnson.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donnie Johnson.

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