Bobby Dee Johnson

Bobby Dee Johnson, Sr. passed away after a short illness Saturday May 9, 2020 at 2:26 A.M. at his home surrounded by his family—children, grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters, a brother, & 2 sisters-in-law.

Bobby was born in Hardin County, Tn & was the 2nd child of 11 children of Aaron Zee & Ira Rea Meek Johnson. November 8, 1952 Bobby married Shirley Jean Barnes, daughter of James Thomas & Gladys Euwell Moore Barnes, in Alcorn County, Mississippi after meeting each other two weeks earlier at a church service. The couple moved to Memphis & resided with Bobby’s parents until they were able to afford their own place. In the fall of 1959 Bobby & Shirley bought their home at 2554 Henderson in Memphis; where they raised their 3 children Sherry Lynn, Theresa Gayle, & Bobby Jr. They resided here until they moved to North Road in Enville (Milledgeville) in July 1994.

In the late 1950s Bobby was employed at Alpine Tree Service & American Bridge before he decided to become a machinist & he went to work at National Machine Works & Dye Company in the early 1960s. Eventually this company was bought out by a co-worker & renamed Prentice Machine Works, Inc. There wasn’t any part that he could make from a piece of metal. About 1995 he semi-retired from Prentice, and completely retired in 1996.

The AZ Johnson family converted to the Pentecostal faith & young Bobby was baptized in 1949 along with his mother Ira & his brothers James Alton & Robert in the Tennessee River at Saltillo, Tn. While living in Memphis, the Bobby Johnson family attended Church of The Lord Jesus Christ on Grey Road. Upon moving back to Chester County, Bobby & Shirley visited several Pentecostal churches in the area before choosing Christian Assembly Pentecostal Church in Adamsville. Bobby & Shirley became active in the church until Shirley became unable to walk & Bobby devoted the rest of his time caring for her.

Words used to describe Bobby Johnson—a man of God, a family man who loved ALL of his family, a kind, mild-mannered person who always helped others, & a great baker. Before Shirley’s health declined, the two of them were always baking cakes for church and for family and friends. At any time, there were at least 2 cakes in the freezer.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Theresa, 2 sisters; Betty Rachel & Glenda Sue Anderson; 2 brothers James Alton & Billie Joe, & a great granddaughter Brenna Gayle Brower.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of 67 years, his daughter Sherry Wright (John) & his son Bobby Johnson Jr., (Lisa), 6 grandchildren: John Wright, Jr., Ami Edwards Smith (Jonathan), Angela Edwards Brower (Dennis), Amanda Wright Bond (David), Wesley Johnson & Logan Johnson; 7 great-great grandchildren: Kevin Wright, Carmen Wright Pedersen (Danial), Jason Brower, Jr., Cody Lewis (Cecily Lewis), Cameron Smith, Joshua Brower, Eli Smith; 5 great-great-great grandchildren: Alexis Pedersen, Bianna May Brower, Miles Pederson, Lakely Steadman, & Lachlar Steadman. Also survived by his siblings: sisters; Linda Chambers & Nancy Adams (Bobby); brothers: Robert (Sue), Wayne (Shirley), Don (Sherri), & Doyle (Helen) & his sisters-in-law; Junell Clausel & Peggy Roach; his brother-in-law, Bobby Barnes (Betty Jo).
Pallbearers will be his grandsons & great grandsons.

The family would like to thank Avalon Hospice & Christian Assembly Pentecostal Church for everything that they have done for us during this difficult period in our lives. We really appreciate everything!