Arthur K. Johnson Sr.

WILLIAMSBSURG - On Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, in Tandem Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, God saw the road was getting rough and the road of life had become to hard to travel. He gently closed the eyes of our beloved, Arthur, and He whispered, "Peace Be Thine." Arthur K. " A.K." Johnson Sr., was born Nov. 24, 1928, in Paducah, Ky., to the late Susie Kivel Johnson and James R. Johnson. On Dec. 26, 1959, A.K. married Sarah Leach. God blessed this union with a son, Arthur K. Johnson Jr. He accepted Christ at an early age at Burks Chapel AME in Paducah. He became a member of St. John Baptist Church in 2005. A.K was a 1947 graduate of Lincoln High School in Paducah. After one year of college at Wilberforce, he joined the United States Army and became a member of the first Black Tank Battalion. He proudly and honorably served America for 20 years, inclusive of duty in Korea and Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1967, having obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class. As a civilian, he returned to Ft. Eustis Army Installation to work as a T-School Instructor and later as an Engineer. Twenty years later, he retired. He was then employed at Automation Technology Inc. (AT) as a front desk clerk. Mechanical and electrical projects kept Arthur occupied when he was not participating in various community activities. He was a member of the Denbigh Military Retirees' Club, a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the American Legion Post No. 368. He assisted in providing food for the youth participating in St. John Baptist Church After-School Tutorial Program. A.K. enjoyed bowling, fishing, collecting coins, and he was a great lover and connoisseur of music. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of his neighborhood in Springfield Terrace. His son, Earsie Michael Johnson, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his blessed memories, his wife, Sarah L. Johnson; his son, Arthur K. Jr., (Odie) of Williamsburg; his daughter-in-law, Carrie Ann Johnson of Detroit, Mich.; his granddaughters, Kenyetta L. Johnson, Detroit, Mich., and Aria K. Johnson of Williamsburg; his sister, Camille Johnson Redden (James), of Shreveport, La.; a brother-in-law, William E. Leach, of Williamsburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many caring friends. A wake service will be held from 5 to 7 tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Whiting's Chapel. A homegoing service, celebrating the life he lived, will be held 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, in St. John Baptist Church, 1397 Penniman Road, with Dr. Solomon M. Wesley officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. John Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at 109 Springfield Drive by noon on Thursday. Professional service entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, Williamsburg.