Wayne Nelson Johnson

Wayne Nelson Johnson, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 8, 2015 at TMC in Denison, Texas. He was born on the family farm in Fannin County, Texas on a stormy winter night, December 31, 1937. Wayne was the son of the late Thomas Nelson and Christine Taylor Johnson of the Lannius community. He grew up on the family farm, doing anything that was required on a farm. He was a ‘jack of all trades’. He attended the one-room school at Lannius through the 8th grade and graduated from Dodd City High School in 1956. He earned his Bachelors (60) and Masters (62) degrees from East Texas State University (now TAMU-Commerce). On February 9, 1963 he married Anna Marilyn Davis in Honey Grove, TX. They have been married 52 years.

He taught school 4 years at Lamesa, TX. In 1965 he moved to Denison and started teaching 8th grade science at the old McDaniel Jr. High. When it closed, he moved to B. McDaniel Middle School. He ended his 32 year teaching career there. He then began his painting and carpentry business. Health reasons recently forced him to retire.

Wayne joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1965. He served faithfully as treasurer and deacon at Calvary for 40 years. He served on many committees and was Keeper of the Keys for the past 5 years.

After retirement, Wayne volunteered at Helping Hands in Denison, forming many close friendships there. When time and health permitted, he volunteered 2 days a week. He also worked on the delivery crew. Wayne enjoyed woodworking and made many treasures for his family. He made many memories with his family while camping at Lake Texoma, and he loved to attend the school and sporting events of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sister, Virginia Rogers of Rowlett, son, Michael (Mickey) Nelson Johnson & wife Patty of Whitesboro. Daughters Jeffri Anna Hodge and husband, Rex of Calera, OK. and Vicki L’Wayne Phillips & husband Aaron of Keller, TX. Nine grandchildren, Nikolas Nelson Johnson, Marshall Drake and Aaron Blake Phillips, Faith Anna, Chloe Victoria, and Ashlyn Rose Hodge, Mikel Pfeifer, Josh and Jessica Moore and niece, Kristin Thrower and nephew, Brandon Johnson. He was blessed with a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who he dearly loved and was loved by.

He was predeceased by his parents Nelson & Christine Johnson, brother, Tommy Johnson, sister in law, Theresa Johnson, brother-in-law Gibb Rogers, parents-in-law, Jeff & Juanita Davis, his grandparents and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins, and one niece Jennifer Johnson.

Services will be at Calvary Baptist Church, 300 W. Acheson, Denison. Visitation will be Monday, May 11, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. preceding the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Smyrna Cemetery in Fannin County near the farm at Lannius where he grew up. His grave will be overlooking a certain beloved pasture at the end of a winding road, down by a creek in Texas. Pallbearers are Rex Hodge, Aaron Phillips, Nikolas Nelson Johnson, Marshall Phillips, Blake Phillips, Mikel Pfeifer and Josh Moore.