Kenneth Samuel Johnson

Kennith Samuel Johnson, known affectionately as Ken or Kenny, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on September 20, 1944, in Douglasville, Georgia, to the late Roscoe Johnson & Effie Goolsby Johnson. Ken spent most of his life in Newnan, where he became a beloved fixture of the community.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Ken served as a paratrooper before dedicating 36 years to the City of Newnan Fire Department, retiring as Captain in 2009. When he wasn't at the firehouse, Ken could be found delivering gas and oil for Otis Jones Oil Company, crisscrossing Newnan and the surrounding counties with his signature wave and easy smile. If you lived in downtown Newnan, chances are you knew Ken-or at least saw him behind the wheel of something big. Ken was also a member of Sargent Baptist Church.

Driving was more than a job for Ken-it was a passion. Whether it was a fire truck, a hazmat rig, or the family car, he was always the one behind the wheel. He also loved fishing, playing golf, and starting his mornings with breakfast at his favorite local spots. Civil service and community were as important to him as his hobbies, and he gave 100% to everything he did.

Ken had a dry, subtle sense of humor, sharpened by a love of British television and Atlanta Braves baseball. He also had a fondness for gambling-much to Ella's chagrin-but true to form, he was good at it. His stories, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of almost 57 years, Ella Johnson; his daughter, Amy Johnson; his son, Brian Johnson; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Johnson; son-in-law, Rick Stark; grandson, Taylor Higgins; and granddaughter, Sydnee Johnson.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at McKoon Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, with interment following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to either the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation, P.O. Box 1113, Newnan, GA 30264, or to Sargent Baptist Church, P.O. Box 189, Sargent, GA 30275.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com

McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580