Ross Patrick Johnson

Ross Patrick Johnson, born June 24, 1921, died peacefully in his sleep on October 23, 2011, at the age of 90. Ross, born in Clinchport, Virginia, was the son of the late Arthur Lee Johnson, Sr. and Eliza Jane Lawson Johnson. Ross graduated from Shoemaker High School in 1940 and then honorably served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Savo Island aircraft carrier in the Pacific. After four years of service, Ross returned home and began his career with Tenite Polyester Division of Eastman Chemical Products as a service engineer in Kingsport, TN. During his 46 years with Eastman, he worked in Chicago, Holland, Switzerland, and Dallas until his retirement in 1986, when he and his wife of 65 years, Zula Mae Light Johnson, moved back to Kingsport.

Ross loved to work the land. He was an extraordinary gardener with a green thumb that grew the most beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. Also, Ross was an avid sports fan. He loved to watch football, baseball and golf, and as a young man he played semi-professional baseball. But what he truly enjoyed most was playing golf with his family and friends. Ross was a very accomplished golfer, shooting his age at 65 and making two hole-in-ones while a member of Meadowview and The Crossings golf clubs. He was also a member of the First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Zula Mae Light Johnson; daughter, Susan Elaine Davis and husband Bill, Houston, Texas; son, Michael Ross Johnson and wife Jodi, Coppell, Texas; and daughter-in-law Becky Johnson, Lubbock, Texas. Seven grandchildren, Reagan Johnson, Tucson, AZ; Keely Johnson, Lubbock, TX; Josh Johnson, Dallas, TX; Blake Davis and Ashley Davis, Houston, TX; and Taylor Johnson and Thomas Johnson, Coppell, TX. Two great-grandchildren, Isaac Johnson and Slay Johnson Bowley. Brother, Hiram Thomas H.T. Johnson, Churchill, TN; two sisters, Edna Johnson Pratt and Mary Johnson Davis, Kingsport, TN and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by first son, Richard Earl Johnson; brothers, Curtis R. Johnson, Clyde B. Johnson, Arthur L. Johnson, Jr., John Floyd J.F. Johnson, and two sisters, Eurita Johnson Baldwin and Phyllis Johnson McConnell.

Family and friends will be received from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29 2011, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, in Kingsport.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30, 2011, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church, in Kingsport, Rev. Jack Weikel and Rev. Jack Edwards officiating. Burial will be following the service at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First Broad Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1346, Kingsport, TN 37762; or to the Alzheimer's Association of Tennessee, North-east Tennessee Chapter 207, North Boone Street 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604, or online at www.alz.org