Willis Ray Johnson

Willis “Ray” Johnson, age 72 of Pell City, Alabama, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edna Johnson and 2 grandchildren Sarah and David Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Sharron Johnson. Ray has two sons David Johnson (Cathy) and Chris Johnson (Connie) he has 4 step daughters Brigitte (JJ) DuBose, Shelly (Lance) Hopson, Cassie (Alan) Cook, and Christie (Cleston) Roberts. He has 18 grandchildren, Brent (Megan) Hopson, Chasity Ramsey, Trey DuBose, Andrew (Caitlen) Hopson, Connor DuBose, Luke Perry, Sarah DuBose, Abigail Kirby (John Leach), Madalyn Roberts, Colton Roberts, Savanna (Nick) Cosby, Spencer Johnson, and Brooke (Rico) Aragon. He also has, 9 great grandchildren Rhett, Rowan, Layla, Aiden, Lily, Tanner, Lanie, Jax and Ana.

Ray, graduated from Pell City High School, class of 1970 and was a quarterback for the football team, #12. He then joined the United States Air Force, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Later, Ray went on to graduate from the University of Alabama Police Academy, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He worked at the Trussville Police Department for 32 years, retiring as a Sergeant.

Ray was a member of First Baptist Church, Pell City, Alabama. He enjoyed living and fishing on Logan Martin Lake, loved watching football “Roll Tide”, and he loved spending time with his family.

Service will be held at Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds, Alabama on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 11am with visitation for family at 10am, friends at 10:30am. Pastor Mark Walker of First Baptist Church Pell City, Alabama, officiating. Graveside will be held at Forest Crest Cemetery, Hwy 78, Birmingham, Alabama.

Serving as Pallbearers will be family members; Cleston Roberts, Alan Cook, Brent Hopson, Trey DuBose, Andrew Hopson, Connor DuBose, Luke Perry, and Colton Roberts.

Memorials may be given to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church Pell City, AL or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.