Hollis Eugene Johnson III

Predeceased by parents and by wife and cherished companion of 57 years Celeste Morrison Johnson and brother, John Settle Johnson.

Survived by children, Hollis E. Johnson IV (Terri) and Martha Settle Johnson and grandchildren, Marie Rose and Hollis V and brother, Robert M. Johnson

Member of the last graduation class of Duncan Prep School and graduate of Vanderbilt University where he was co-captain of the baseball team and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School and served on active duty as Engineering officer of the USS Hammerberg (DE1015) where he participated in operation Argus, the only clandestine test series in history of atmospheric nuclear testing by the United States.

He was a former Vice President of First American National Bank and retired as President of Southern Baptist Foundation.

Active in the community, he served as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and three terms as Chairman of the Board of Franklin Road Academy. He felt privileged to coach local youth for 30 years in football and baseball.

His Christian Service was primarily at Belmont Heights Baptist Church where he was a bible teacher. He was Chairman of Deacon and various committees including the Belmont University Liaison Committee which negotiated a long-term property agreement with the University.

He and Celeste were privileged to mentor college students, many of whom lived with them for various periods of time.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on January 5, 2026, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Ln., Nashville, TN 37204. A celebration of life service will begin at 2:30pm in Woodlawn Funeral Home’s Dignity Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Franklin Road Academy, Justice and Mercy International, Friends of Radnor Lake, or charity of one’s choice.