Carl Roberts Johnson Jr.

Carl Roberts Johnson, Jr., 79, left this world January 4th, 2026.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky on January 29, 1946 to the late Carl Johnson, Sr. and Vee Conner Johnson; he had two sisters, Helen Letitia Carr and Wanda Sue Neal, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1964; served in the U.S. Air Force and climbed the ranks to Sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1968. Carl spent his life behind the wheel of a big rig; he loved to truck, and he trucked to live.
But the measure of any man is his family and the mark he leaves on this earth. Carl met and married Sally Huggins in 1978, they were married for 24 years and had two daughters; Heather Christina Watt (Story, WY) and Jennifer Sue Deskins (Georgetown, KY), along with Kent Deskins, who he always considered son. Given the opportunity, his girls would tell you that their dad was a force to be reckoned with. Suffice to say, that whatever they threw at him (and being apples that did not fall far from the tree, they were champion rebels), he handled it and they are both contributing citizens of the world as a result, with strong work ethics like their Dad; both driven to help others just as he was.
Carl was also Granddaddy to four grandsons, his pride and joy. His first grandson, Tyler Kent Deskins preceded him in death November 1, 2005. His other three grandsons are Carter Isaac Deskins, Bradley Roberts Watt and Conner Ellsworth Watt. Though many would likely describe Carl as having a gruff exterior, he loved deeply and fiercely. No one experienced that more than his grandsons. His grandchildren meant the world to him.
Carl also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who meant the world to him; family was so important to him and he cherished any time spent with them. Jeff, Brittany, Jeremy & Jamie Carr; Amy McClintock & Stephanie Martin; Richie, Trish, Ethan, Caleb & Aiden Neal.
Maybe just as important, Carl, or "Bobby" as many knew him, was a friend to many, answering any call for assistance; a master at shooting the breeze, certainly, but also offering sound advice and guidance. Carl was not a fair-weather friend, but there through thick and thin. The longevity of his friendships speaks volumes about the character of the man. In the end, Carl lived simply, but big – he made time for his daughters, his grandsons and his friends; he worked at being available to them; heck, he worked, even though he was long past retirement age because, again, he lived to truck. Certainly, his loss leaves a huge void in this world, but it also leaves an army of people touched by his life to carry on the work he started and cherish every memory made with him.
Visitation for Carl will be held at Tucker, Yocum & Wilson Funeral Home, 320 West Main, Georgetown, KY, from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026. The Service will be held the following day, Thursday, January 8th at Tucker, Yocum & Wilson at 10:00 am with Military Honors. Burial will follow at the Georgetown Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Richie Neal, Jeffery Carr, Jeremy Carr, Kent Deskins, Carter Deskins & Troy Bradford. Honorary Pallbearers will include Howard Wells, Bradley Watt, Conner Watt, Steve Weast & Steve Peterson.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends any memorial contributions be made to The Gathering Place (Georgetown, KY) or the AMEN House (Georgetown, KY). Friends and families are encouraged to share their memories and condolences here on Carl's tribute wall.