Howard Johnson

SFC Howard Barker Johnson USAR (R), 86, of Adairsville, died at his home on Sunday, July 17, 2016, following several months of declining health. Howard was born in Harlan, Kentucky on January 5, 1930; he was the son of the late William T. and Lena Pittman Johnson. In 2002, his wife, Mollie Gwin Johnson, preceded him in death. Howard served in the Army, B CO '3d BN 11th Special Forces Group (ABN), retiring as Sargent First Class. He also served in The United States Army Reserves after retiring from active duty. When he retired from service, he was an airplane mechanic and inspector for Pan Am and Lockheed. For more than 15 years, he was an active member of Old Sugar Valley United Methodist Church. A vivacious man, he loved life, and he loved his family very deeply. His family described him as an adrenaline junkie; he liked jumping out airplanes, nature, SCUBA diving, and flying. Even in his last days, he often proclaimed, "life is good."
Survivors are his children, Bruce Johnson of Calhoun, Timothy Wayne Johnson and his wife, Stacey R., of Dalton, Patricia Addison and her companion, Russ Craft, of Savannah, and Victoria Wright, of Calhoun; his grandchildren, Sabrina McCoy, Samantha Hubner, Crissy Davis, Chris Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Shannon Weldy, Kayla Vance, and Timothy Johnson Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Ace, Scott, Mollie, Reese, Raye, Donovan, Kourtney, Kendell, Howie, and Nevaeh.
The Johnson family will receive friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service at Old Sugar Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery. The United States Army Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers; fellow veterans of the 11th Special Forces Group will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Friends may sign the online guest register at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.