Johnnie G Johnson

A Memorial Service for Johnnie Johnson, 92, of Nacogdoches will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at First United Methodist Church. He passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Garrison, Texas. He was born in Crockett, Texas on March 20, 1933 to Johnnie and Reba Johnson.
Johnnie Glynn Johnson, Lt. Col. USAF Retired, 92, passed away October 10, 2025 peacefully in Garrison, TX. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches on Saturday, October 18th at 1:00pm with reception to follow.
Johnnie was born March 20, 1933 in Crockett, TX to John Bonner & Reba (Julian) Johnson. He attended Crockett High School where he discovered his love of all things sports-related, graduating as an all-state pitcher. Johnnie was attending Stephen F. Austin State University when he received his draft notice and chose to join the United States Air Force. A 20+ year career officer, Johnnie learned discipline, respect, perseverance, and love of country while serving first as a navigator, then as a pilot. He piloted KC-135 tankers/ air refueling, and C-7 Caribou in Vietnam. In 1954, on a blind date that went horribly wrong, he met and fell in love with Dorothy Jeanne Lade. He courted her relentlessly and eventually won her love and hand in marriage. They were married in Frankston, TX on June 16, 1956. They spent their marriage stationed throughout the United States as an Air Force family with their daughters Cyndi and Debbie. He retired from the Air Force in 1973 and the family moved to Nacogdoches.
Johnnie returned to his studies at Stephen F. Austin State University, finished a business degree, and took up a second career in banking. Many people in Nacogdoches were greeted by his smiling face and firm handshake when they entered Fredonia State Bank on North Street where he remained until his retirement in 1998.
Johnnie was a man of service. He was a faithful member of the Chancel Choir with Dottie at FUMC Nacogdoches as well as becoming a founding member of the Heart-to-Heart Chorus. He truly bled purple and white, serving on many SFASU alumni boards and booster clubs. He spent many years taking his children and grandchildren to SFA sporting events where he yelled a little too loud but always sang the school song proudly. He also served on the Nacogdoches High School Boosters and was the voice announcer for the NHS Football team and marching band for many years, even being invited to travel to Hawaii with the band as their announcer for a special Veteran's Day performance. Johnnie was also a loyal member of the Nacogdoches Rotary International Club, twice a Paul Harris fellow, and a past president of the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce.
Most notably, he was Papa John to more than just his five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Always attending sporting events, graduations, play performances, and many other activities with MeMom by his side, he supported many students at SFA, in Douglass ISD and beyond. His greatest joy was spending time with his family telling stories of the many adventures of his life. He loved and hated the Dallas Cowboys, brandished a quick wit, and strived to always look his best and give his best at all times.
Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, his bride of 65 years, Dottie, his sister and brother-in-law, Jan (Floyd) Goynes, great-grand daughter Sophie Skiles, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bobby (Bettie) Lade, sister-in-law, Carolyn Lade Wiens, and brother-in-law, Tommy Whitney.
He is survived by sister-in-law Julia Whitney of Atascosita, TX, daughter Cyndi Maurstad of Nacogdoches, TX, daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Danny Watson of Nacogdoches, TX. Grandchildren Sara and Ian Joslin of Friendswood, TX, Jill Emmons of Katy, TX, Shelby and Jonathan Skiles of Tyler, TX, Jacy Watson of Tyler, TX and Bonner Watson of Frisco, TX. Great-grandchildren are Kylen and Kambry Emmons, Evelyn and Luke Joslin and Connor, Emma, and Tucker Skiles. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family that he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations to be made to Sophie's Friends Foundation for Childhood Cancer at www.SophiesFriends.org
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