Funeral service for Retired USAF MSGT James Fred Johnson, age 95, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Jeremy Hudgins officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Visitation with the family will be from 1 PM until 3 PM on Sunday at Higgins Funeral Home.
Fred was born on February 8, 1929, in Fayetteville, TN to the late Walter Woody Johnson and Lois Era Murdock Johnson. He was a 1947 graduate of Central High School. After high school, MSGT Johnson served 20 years in the US Air Force, serving in Vietnam. After retirement from the USAF, Mr. Johnson worked as a Guard at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL and earned his Associates Degree in Business from Alabama Christian College. Fred was a member of the Kirkland Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge in Smyrna, TN, and the Eastern Star in Fayetteville. Fred and Dean united in marriage on May 14, 1955, and their journey together blossomed, spanning nearly 69 wonderful years. MSGT Johnson passed away on April 4, 2024, at Bailey Manor in Fayetteville.
Fred enjoyed spending time with his family bowling, playing Rook, dominos and monopoly! Fred and Dean enjoyed square dancing, and he was always happy to hold his bride close to him all his married life. Fred was also a mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and tractors.
Survivors include his wife, Dean Ferguson Johnson; daughters, Linda (Ronald) Scott of Taft, TN, and Gloria (Tim) McPeters of Fayetteville; and grandchildren, Patrick Wayne (Caitlyn) Scott, Mark Bembry, Jennifer Bembry, and John (Stephanie) Dickey. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Robinson; and brothers, Clyde Johnson and Lewis Johnson.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Retired USAF MSGT James Fred Johnson.
May the Good Lord bless you and the family and ease the pain of loosing your dad. He was an amazing friend, father, and person that was loved by many, to include ne and Al.
I miss seeing Mr Johnson waiting for me at his mailbox. He saw so much in his life and was so willing to share some amazing stories with me. God is with all of his loved ones left behind. There is no doubt where he is now.
Mr. Fred will be missed greatly. Thank you for trusting us with his care. Your family will forever be part of our Bailey Manor family. Praying for comfort and peace for you all.
Gloria, so sorry about the passing of your dad. We appreciate his military service to our country. I know you are proud of him. Thinking of you and your family.
Dear Johnson Family, we are sorry for your loss. Such a nice gentleman. My dad thought so much of Mr. Fred’s friendship. Anthony and Kay Howard Honey
So sorry for the passing of Fred.
My thoughts and Prayers are with his Family and Friends, Especially during this Time!
Dean, Linda and Gloria,
How sad to read of Fred’s passing. He was a prince of a man and I know you realize what a blessing you had having him all these years. My heart aches along with yours at this sad time. Praying you feel God’s peace as never before.
I am so sorry to learn of my Uncle Fred’s passing and am grateful for his love, devotion, and friendship throughout my life. He was a wonderful brother to my father, Clyde, and they each loved telling stories of their years growing up on a farm that entailed working hard, pulling pranks on each other, and having fun with pillow fights and the like. As adults, they remained close and always stepped in to help each other in the best and worst of times. He loved and unselfishly served his country. His dedication to Dean and their family was extraordinary, and, I trust in time they will each take great comfort in their memories of a life shared in love. Uncle Fred will never be forgotten and is undoubtedly among the chosen few who will join the ranks of heaven. Love and prayers for Dean and the girls and Godspeed to you my dear Uncle Fred! Cynthia Johnson and family John and Kate
Sorry for your loss of your granddad jennifer.
I will be thinking of you thoughts and prayers for your family
May God be with you
So very sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. I am Mary Ann Tackett, Sunday Night Gospel. Fred called in most every Sunday night and asked for Stroll Over Heaven With You and What Will It be Like by Merle Haggard. Fred would always say and one day we will know. My sympathy to Fred’s wife and family. He and my brother Joe Hall served in the Air Force and they like to be reminded of that. A wonderful man who will always be remembered.
I met Mr. Johnson at Bldg 4488 on Redstone Arsenal in the late 1970’s when I had transferred jobs to that building. I would see him every morning when I came in to work and he always greeted me by name with such a warm smile. His daughter, Gloria, soon became one of my best friends. After Mr. Johnson retired from the job on Redstone, I had several occasions where I saw him again along with his wife and the rest of the family. Not only was I blessed in knowing him and his family but blessed to have become friends with his daughter Gloria. What a special family! Mr. Johnson is truely sitting and singing in God’s heavenly home.
Ms Dean and family I am so sorry to hear about Mr Fred. my daddy thought the world of Mr Fred. he considered him one of his best friends. Now they can talk about their old Military days. Daddy would call him Whispering Fred because he spoke so softly! lol Mom and I send love and prayers to you’ll