Don Johnson

Don M. Johnson

   Donald “Don” McKinnon Johnson, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Christian Care Center of Medina, TN, with his family by his side. He was a loving father, devoted grandfather, and great-grandfather to five beautiful great-grandchildren. Born on January 19, 1942, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, he was the son of the late Nina Rose and William Henry Johnson. Don was known for his unwavering faith, humor, and charisma, even after dementia claimed much of his memory.

   Don’s father, Henry, died at the age of 52, when Don was only 12 years old. Until his Dad’s death, Don was exposed to many rides in his police car and, when on a country road alone, with siren and lights blaring. Known for his signature "Fonzie" style in his youth, Don maintained a personality that attracted attention wherever he went. He embodied the spirit of a big teddy bear—tough on the outside but gentle and warm-hearted within.

   On May 29, 1967, he married the now-late “Mickie” Davis Johnson at the courthouse in Hernando, MS, after a fateful introduction by her uncle. They were married for 57 years, until her death late last year. Together they had two children, Melissa and Scott. Don became a Christian when his children were small, due in no small part to the great cloud of witnesses (including his wife) who had long been praying for him to share a relationship with Christ. Once Don became a Christian he carried an evangelistic “business card” he shared with many to spread the love of Jesus. It read, “If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing. But if you meet Jesus Christ and you forget Him, you have lost everything.” We rejoice that he is with his Savior, everything he needs, at long last.

   Don was a faithful provider for his family, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers, the Air National Guard, and making a career on the road with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and Roadway Express. His favorite claim-to-fame, whether fact or fiction, was drag-racing Elvis Presley down the boulevard in Memphis. He was not only an excellent driver and a proud Teamster but also an inspiring driving teacher—especially to his children and grandchildren—imparting invaluable lessons to them and often reminding them that the left lane is for passing only.

   His passion for driving was rivaled only by his love for his family and friends. His affection for children was perhaps most evident, as he was always good with little ones and dogs, embodying a kindness that made him a beloved figure in their lives. He found joy in competitive games, especially checkers, where he delighted in playing with his grandchildren and never went easy on them. Don enjoyed watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke and John Wayne, and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan alongside his late wife, Mickie.

   Those who knew Don will remember his hobbies, which included fishing and broadcasting on his CB radio under his old trucker handle, “Piggy Back.” He will be affectionately remembered for his love of cokes, iced tea with lemon, and watermelons (usually with a little salt).

   Other than his parents, Nina Rose and William Henry Johnson and his beloved wife, “Mickie,” Don was preceded in death by his sister, Joy, and brother, Milton.

   Those who will forever cherish his memory are his loving daughter, Melissa Walls (husband Bart) of Jackson, TN, and his son, Scott Johnson of Jackson, TN. He was a proud Pawpaw to Katelyn Walls Shelton (husband John), Kirk Walls (wife Brooklynn), Kolton Walls, and Reagan Johnson, and a cherished great-grandfather to Remy, Roland, Ginny, and Eliza Shelton, and Ellington Walls. Casey, his much loved fourteen-year old chihuahua, is now being cared for by a family friend.

SERVICE: The Funeral Service celebrating Don’s life will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Dr. Ray Van Neste officiating. Burial will follow at Brown’s Cemetery.

   Visitation with family and friends will be on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors. Visitation on Saturday will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until the service time at 1:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be webcast on the Arrington Funeral Directors website.

   Pallbearers to serve will be Scott Johnson, Bart Walls, Kirk Walls, Kolton Walls, Trevor McConnell, and Kyle McConnell. Honorary pallbearers are John Shelton, Dewey Robbins, Ronnie Fisher, and Mike Boals.

   The family has requested that any memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer’s Fund, c/o Community Foundation of West Tennessee, 74 Directors Row, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.cfwtn.org.