FAYETTEVILLE – John Gerald Johnson, 88, went home to meet the Lord, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his residence.
Born March 31, 1938, in West Baden, he was the son of Delbert and Estel (Elrod) Johnson.
John left home early to join the United States Air Force in 1956, where he met the love of his life, Jeanine Lafon “Pretty Girl” or “PG” in Hohfleur, Calvados, France. They were married on March 31, 1957 and she preceded him in death May 16, 2005. John had a wonderful life. In 1960 he returned to the United States and began working for Trav-Ler Radio Corporation until 1964. John then began his career with NSWC-Crane and excelled with several positions such as an ordinance man until 1967, ammunition inspector from 1968-1972, electronic equipment inspector from 1972-1974, and munitions inspector foreman supervisor from 1975-1978.
In 1979, John G. Johnson 1st SG E-8 HHC 76th Brigade 38th Infantry Division, was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard. He then pursued the Navy Personal Reliability Program and carried out top secret clearance for seven years at WPNSTA – US Naval Weapons Station, Earie Colts Neck, New Jersey. John retired from the United States Army Reserve as Master Sergeant USAR in 1996. He also worked at Mirwec Film Inc. as a plant operations manager from 1989-1994 and C&M operations manager from 1994-2005. In 2005, John retired to spend time with his family. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 250.
Survivors include his children, Frank (Amy) Johnson of Portland, Oregon, Rita (Mike) Childers of Williams, Danielle (Jim) Russell of Fayetteville, and Christiane (Dave) Moody of Bedford; grandchildren, Michael Childers, II, John (Angela) Childers, Ashley (Denem) Stidam, Jessica Johnson, Rachelle Johnson, Zachariah (Leah) Russell, Stephanie Johnson, Kimberly Johnson, and Zoeie (Cole) Yetton; and great-grandchildren, Kadyn Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Larron Childers, Alivia Stidam, Eli Kern, Jaxson Russell, Brett Monasmith, Sara Noble, Cole Summers, Eleanor Childers, Keegan Stidam, Mallorie Stidam, and Shelby Pruett.
His parents; wife; and siblings, Dale “Eugene” Johnson, Jeanette Terry, Louise Wilson, Ruth Terry, Roberta Foust, Larry Johnson, and Donald Wayne Johnson, preceded him in death.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Dwight Dunbar officiating. Burial will follow at Port Williams Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the funeral home.
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