Julius Adams Johnson Jr.

A memorial service is planned for Julius Adams (Jay) Johnson, 56 of El Dorado, AR, for 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado with Father Charles Chapman and Father Bob Allen officiating. Mr. Johnson died Saturday at John Williamson Hospice in El Dorado following a brief illness.

Jay was one of the best guitar players around. Music was his passion and life. Anyone that was lucky enough to hear him play will say the same thing. He played with The Straight Shot Band at the Heritage Club when it was open. Jay played with some of the best. Recently he played with Tony Smith at The Silverado Club. Jay and Tony played together for 35 years.

Mr. Johnson was born March 20, 1958, in Pine Bluff, AR, to Julius and Jo Alice Page Johnson.

He was a descendent of President Woodrow Wilson. The family moved in 1961 to Greenwood, MS, and in 1973 to El Dorado, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1975 and attended the University of Arkansas.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Johnson of El Dorado; a son, Brandon Adams Johnson and wife Kasa, grandson, Blake Adams Johnson of Dyersburg, Tenn.; two stepsons, Gary Bale of El Dorado, James Bale and his wife, Amber of El Dorado; a stepdaughter, Shirley Graybill of AR; ten step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, two sisters, Jo Alice Darden and her husband, Robert Morgan Darden, of Cruger, MS, and Mary Hawkins of Greenwood, MS; four nieces, two great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Union County Animal Protection Society,

1000 Sunset Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com