Dan Johnson Obituary
Visit the Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southside Chapel - Virginia Beach website to view the full obituary.
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Johnson, a distinguished veteran and beloved family man, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 81 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on June 26, 1944, in Marianna, Arkansas, Dan lived a life filled with dedication, service, and inspiration.
Dan served his country with pride and honor for over 30 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His exemplary career included roles as a Green Beret, pilot, Airborne Ranger, and member of the Special Forces. A recipient of the Purple Heart, Dan's courage and leadership left an indelible mark on those who served with him. After retiring from active military service, he continued to impart wisdom and knowledge as an instructor for officer training, shaping the next generation of military leaders.
Education was important to Dan, who graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) and earned a master's degree from Pacific Lutheran University. His thirst for knowledge and continuous self-improvement inspired all who knew him.
In addition to his military service, Dan embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating the renowned World Famous Johnson's BBQ. He was a long-time competitor in BBQ events and the "OG" at Rib Fest, always perfecting his craft while sharing his passion with others. Dan also taught at Virginia State University, enriching the minds of students with his diverse experiences in business and leadership.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Luvenia Johnson. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 61 years, Geraldine Johnson; his children, Dan Johnson II & wife Andrea, Donna Harris & husband Michael, Don Johnson, and David Johnson; grandchildren Andriana, Ashley, Dan III, Christopher, Christina, Christian, Christshon, Christsiah, Christal, Christyn, Christa, Daquan, Imani, Don Elijah, Hadessah, Dontre, David, Jessica, and Selena; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His legacy of love, guidance, and perseverance will continue in the hearts of those he touched.
Dan's celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. at Olive Grove Baptist Church (1034 Albert Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513), with a visitation to take place an hour prior. His burial will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, January 9 at Albert G Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
Dan Johnson's life was a testament to what one can achieve through dedication and passion. He remains a beacon of inspiration for his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.altmeyerfh.com
Dan served his country with pride and honor for over 30 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His exemplary career included roles as a Green Beret, pilot, Airborne Ranger, and member of the Special Forces. A recipient of the Purple Heart, Dan's courage and leadership left an indelible mark on those who served with him. After retiring from active military service, he continued to impart wisdom and knowledge as an instructor for officer training, shaping the next generation of military leaders.
Education was important to Dan, who graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) and earned a master's degree from Pacific Lutheran University. His thirst for knowledge and continuous self-improvement inspired all who knew him.
In addition to his military service, Dan embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating the renowned World Famous Johnson's BBQ. He was a long-time competitor in BBQ events and the "OG" at Rib Fest, always perfecting his craft while sharing his passion with others. Dan also taught at Virginia State University, enriching the minds of students with his diverse experiences in business and leadership.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Luvenia Johnson. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 61 years, Geraldine Johnson; his children, Dan Johnson II & wife Andrea, Donna Harris & husband Michael, Don Johnson, and David Johnson; grandchildren Andriana, Ashley, Dan III, Christopher, Christina, Christian, Christshon, Christsiah, Christal, Christyn, Christa, Daquan, Imani, Don Elijah, Hadessah, Dontre, David, Jessica, and Selena; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His legacy of love, guidance, and perseverance will continue in the hearts of those he touched.
Dan's celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. at Olive Grove Baptist Church (1034 Albert Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513), with a visitation to take place an hour prior. His burial will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, January 9 at Albert G Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
Dan Johnson's life was a testament to what one can achieve through dedication and passion. He remains a beacon of inspiration for his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.altmeyerfh.com
Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southside Chapel - Virginia Beach
5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
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