Donald Robertson Johnson Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our cherished husband, father, and Opa, Col. Donald R Johnson Jr., on March 20, 2026, at the age of 79. Donald’s memory will be forever treasured by his devoted wife, Dorothy; his loving children, Robbie, Sammie, and Sarah; 9 grandchildren, his sisters, Susan and Patti; and the families they have built together. Throughout his life, Donnie was a humble man who always led from the front and was excited for new adventures.

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 11, 1946, to parents Don and Pearlie Johnson, Donnie’s journey truly took shape when his family moved to Fern Street in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 11. There, fate placed him across the street from a 10-year-old girl who would one day become his beloved wife and lifelong companion. As a young boy, Donnie was notorious for his mischievous adventures—tales of BB guns, paper routes, and four-headed pennies became legendary stories, lovingly retold to his children by Granny at bedtime. His knack for finding trouble and escaping it earned him a reputation for having more than nine lives. In high school, Donnie survived a serious car accident that profoundly changed his perspective on life. After recovering, he became a dedicated student and was ultimately accepted to The Citadel with a scholarship for competitive rifle shooting. During his time competing in rifle shooting— he sustained a serious injury on the shooting range. Despite this setback, he recovered, continued to excel winning both state and national competitions; graduated and was commissioned as an Army Officer on August 24, 1969.

Donnie dove into his military career, graduating from Infantry Basic School and then completing both Airborne and Ranger schools. His first duty station was at Ft. Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne, where, as he joked, conditions were so tough that he volunteered to go to Vietnam. His first tour was brief, as he was seriously wounded by enemy fire and returned home to Columbus to rehabilitate. Though Donnie and Dorothy had first crossed paths as children in 1958, it was only after he returned home that he realized the girl across the street was destined to be the love of his life. Dorothy became his chaperone, driving him to and from physical therapy, and their bond deepened. Once recovered, Donnie volunteered for a second deployment to Vietnam. This time, he had the beginnings of what would become a 54-year marriage to return home to. Donnie left for Vietnam again, where he commanded a Fire Base. Combat was fierce during this time, as reflected by the battle flag that stood above his base and is now proudly displayed in his office. After being wounded again, Donnie returned home to Dorothy, united in love and resilience. They were married in Trinity Episcopal Church on August 20, 1972, beginning their global journey together with their first duty station as a couple at Ft. Bragg, NC. Undeterred, Donnie volunteered and was selected for Special Forces and Jumpmaster schools, accumulating over 225 airborne and HALO jumps. Their next assignment was at Ft. Gordon, GA, where Donnie commanded a Ranger Training unit. It was here that they welcomed their first child, Donald Robertson Johnson III, “Robbie,” into the world. Donnie and Dorothy then embarked on their first overseas journey to Germany, where they welcomed their second child, Samuel Evans Johnson. After their time in Germany, his first overseas assignment ended and they moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where Donnie completed Command Air and Staff College and welcomed their third child, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson. He moved his family to Washington, DC, where he was assigned as a White House Briefing Officer and had the opportunity to brief President Reagan. Soon after, the family moved west to Colorado, where Donnie commanded a Battalion at Ft. Carson. He brought his family home again for a brief stay at Ft. Benning, GA, and then had the opportunity to attend the Naval War College in Newport, RI. It was there that he received the surprise of his career: an unexpected assignment to Camp Zama, Japan. This culminating assignment ended a distinguished 28-year Army career that included moving 17 times. Their guiding principle, “Home is where the heart is,” allowed each location to become home for his family.

Following his retirement from the Army, Donnie and Dorothy settled in Oviedo, FL, where he began a second career leading virtual simulation development. He also rediscovered his appreciation for art. What started as simple portraits for his Citadel classmates grew into an art form that defined him later in life, with portraits of his family lining the walls of his home. In December 2016, Donnie announced a prognosis—pulmonary fibrosis—caused by prolonged exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam. His desire to push his body was inevitably the key to battling the disease that took his life. Throughout his life, Donnie strove to push his endurance by completing a multitude of marathons and long-distance cycling events. It was his lifelong commitment to running and cycling that allowed him to defy the odds, turning what was expected to be a 3–5-year life expectancy into a wonderful 9 years. Donnie and Dorothy had the opportunity to reunite with family as they all found themselves near the North and South Carolina border. Here, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, traveling with family, and sharing his last few years close to the people he cherished most. Donnie leaves behind a profound legacy, his influence reaching family and friends across continents and generations. Wherever life took him, he brought people together with his warmth, laughter, and stories, each tale growing richer with every telling and reflecting his deep love for life.

A funeral service for Donald will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 1st Ave, Columbus, GA 31901, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The burial service will take place following a procession to Parkhill Cemetery, located at 4161 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA 31907 with Military Honors present.