Mr. Donald Ray Johnson

A celebration commemorating the life and legacy of Mr. Donald Ray Johnson will be observed in the chapel of Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home, 318 North Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2:00 p. m. with burial following in the Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.   We invite you to join the WINNFIELD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME STAFF in offering sincere prayer for the comfort of this family.

Donald Ray Johnson graced the world with his presence on April 3, 1965. He was bornto proud and loving parents, Gloria (Clara) Carpenter Johnson and James WilliamJohnson of Bermuda, Louisiana. The family later moved to the Town South communityin Natchitoches, where Donald flourished, built lifelong friendships, and grew into thewarm, humorous, and generous man so many came to cherish.Donald was the proud father of three beloved sons. Always a cowboy at heart, heeventually moved to Bogata, Texas, where he worked many years at the WarRanch—surrounded by the wide-open country and simple living he loved so deeply. Itwas there that he also attended Cowboy Church and strengthened his walk of faith.In his leisure time, Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching movies. But hisgreatest gift was his ability to spread joy. He touched the hearts of loved ones, friends,and even complete strangers through his humor, kindness, and bright, uplifting spirit.Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter that will forever echo inthe lives he touched.Donald had a remarkable way of stepping into any room and instantly lightening itsweight—turning worry into ease, tears into smiles, and ordinary days into lastingmemories. His laughter was contagious, his jokes unforgettable, and his talent forfinding light in even the heaviest moments was a blessing to all who knew him.More than anything, he believed in the joy God intends for His people. He lived out thetruth of Scripture, embracing the reminder that “A merry heart doeth good like amedicine” (Proverbs 17:22). He understood that laughter heals, comforts, restores, andbinds hearts together. His life was proof that joy is a ministry all of its own.Donald was a father, brother, friend, and companion—but also a bright spark in a worldthat often forgets how healing a simple smile can be. His humor was not justentertainment; it was his calling, his message, and his gift to all.On November 9, 2025, God called Donald home. He was preceded in death by hisfather, James William Johnson, and his mother, Gloria Carpenter Johnson. He issurvived by his two sisters, Katherine Johnson and Kelita Johnson; his three children,Donald Ray Johnson Jr. (Pamela), Roman Johnson, and Jamel Johnson; two nieces,Kaitlyn Elyse Robinson (Michael) and Kristyn Kaye Anderson; one great-niece, ReinaElizabeth Robinson; and a special friend, Rena Jackson—as well as a host of aunts,uncles, extended family, and cherished friends.Though we mourn the loss of a soul whose presence made life gentler and brighter, wecelebrate the beauty of a journey lived wholeheartedly. Donald will always beremembered for his joyful heart and the laughter that continues