Michael "DJ MJ" Johnson

Michael D. Johnson, affectionately known as DJ MJ, of Foley, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 5th, 2024. Michael spun his last record and played his last mix to a crowd of adoring fans – mostly people in the old neighborhood who came together for an annual celebration of independence, but knew Michael well.

Born to a minister in Somerset, Kentucky, Michael’s early childhood was defined by sharing the joy of Christ. The guitars strummed, wooden sticks banged the drums, and the old folks sung as they found their way to carry a tune lifting up their Savior.

Yet, Michael was destined for more. First it was the Army – he was off to basic training in North Carolina where he was sure to eventually become a GI Joe. But those plans halted when he almost shot himself and a fellow trainee trying to assemble/disassemble a rifle. He would often quip, “Don’t laugh, it’s harder than it looks!”

Then, it was Eastern Kentucky University where he met many of his lifetime friends. Michael sought to be the next Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney, training for hours in the gym, “getting swole” as he would say. At one point, his thighs grew so big he had to custom order his briefs!

It was those long toiling hours in the gym and that handsome chiseled frame that was like honey to a bee when he met the love of his life Elizabeth “Liz” Ballard. They instantly fell in love, were soon married, and moved to the big city of Atlanta where they began their life together.

Over the next two decades Liz stood by his side through sickness and in health, encouraging him to try his hand at personal training and eventually deejaying, where he found his true passion late in life. Michael’s life is perhaps best summed up by his catch phrase, “World off, music on…” keep the party going up in heaven big man.

Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla Johnson; his grandmother, Ruth Johnson; grandfather; Charles Johnson, Sr.; his uncle, Ronnie Johnson; and close friend, Jonathan Perdue. Also, by his fur kids; Chase, Lexi, Rocky and LuLu.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Liz Johnson; his father, Charles (Ella) Johnson Jr.; sister, Christina Johnson; uncle, Phillip Johnson; aunt, Faye Dunn and Melinda McCullough; mother-in-law, Patty Ballard; father-in-law, David Ballard; close cousins, Deronte Smith, Steve (Tara) Johnson, Jason (Susan) Dunn, and Charles (Trish) Dunn; close friends, Ed (Lilly) Patsy, Sam (Tracey) Bess, Otis (Nancy) Mcginester, Jason Shell; and the love and support of the Abbott family. And of course, his fur babies; Tanner, Davis, Morris, and Coco.

A celebration of life will be held August 18th, 5-8 pm, at Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave. South, Building C, Birmingham, AL, 35222. A second event will be held in Kentucky at a later date where all are welcomed as well.

As Michael prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same - go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it - or another joyful time shared with Michael!

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution to one of the charities that mattered most to him:

Legacy of Hope, Alabama’s organ donation advocate

National Kidney Foundation

American Diabetes Association

Or, your local Boys and Girls Club