John "Johnny: W. Johnson

John W. Johnson (Johnny) passed away peacefully on his way to heaven on January 13th 2021 after a 5 week battle with a series of health conditions at Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Johnny was born on February 25, 1940 in his hometown of Harlingen Texas.  Johnny graduated Harlingen High School in 1958 and graduated from Texas A&M in 1962 here he played Varsity golf. Rather than pursue a professional golf career, he elected to serve his country by joining the US Air Force. Where he served for 9 years as a Navigator for transport airplanes around the world.  Johnny & Susan loved their time in the military and lived in several locations including Yokota Air Force Base in Japan.  Upon the death of Johnny’s father, Johnny received a hardship discharge from the Air Force in order to move to Harlingen and take over the family business.

He is survived by his life partner Jody Bracy, daughter Deidrea Kiesling, brother Tom Johnson,  sons-in law- Russell Kiesling and Timothy Hatfield ,  and  grandchildren John Joseph Pankhurst , Savannah Leann Hatfield Deis, Abigail Rae Hatfield, Chloe Paige Kiesling, Russell Wayne Kiesling, Jr., Colette Marjory Kiesling and great granddaughter Adalynn Emray Deis and his two beloved standard poodles, Margie & Bubbles.

He is preceded in death by his wife Susan Johnson (7/4/2019), his daughter Marjory Luise Hatfield (2/27/2013), his mother Suzy Johnson and his father Harry Johnson.

Johnny had a lifelong passion for golf and won many golf tournaments over the years and loved playing in the Life Begins at 40 tournament at the Harlingen Country Club. He was also a Bridge Master Instructor and lead numerous bridge tournament across the valley and Texas.  Johnny had a true servant’s heart whether serving on the vestry at St. Alban’s church where he was a member for over 50 years or helping his clients in his insurance and financial services business or his family.  He would always ask “How can I help you? What can I do for you?”

Johnny loved to travel and had been on over 35 cruises all over the world. He was also a passionate Disney “devotee” and many fond family memories were captured at Disneyland and Disney World.  Johnny loved traveling to New York City and enjoying Broadway musicals.  He was very proud of his latest trip to NYC where he and Jody saw many musicals including the opening of the Tina Turner musical.

A small private ceremony will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Harlingen, Texas on Monday January 18, 2021 due to the Covid situation.  Officiating at the service will be The Right Reverent David M. Reed.  A livestream service will be available at https://youtu.be/kX3C0w0v8vg  on Monday at 10:00 a.m.   A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Thank you to his church family at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and all of his friends in the community and his bridge groups and support during this difficult time.

Johnny was an eternal optimist with a deep faith and a positive outlook on life.  His favorite quote was “Keep the Faith”.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley at 514 South E Street Harlingen, TX 78550