It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Derald Wayne Johnson on July 1, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Derald was born March 3, 1976, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a great father, beloved brother, and cherished friend.
Derald attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School and graduated from Subiaco Academy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Derald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a Corporal, he received an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps Reserve. For all of these life events, right by his side, was his identical twin, Gerald. The two shared an unbreakable bond.
Derald was previously employed with the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. He was most recently with the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs as a Veterans Services Officer, where he was dedicated in his work assisting other Veteran’s.
Derald was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved nature, especially hiking and swimming. Derald loved his family deeply and will always be a part of the family. He will continue to live in their hearts and their memories.
Derald is survived by his son, Caleb Johnson; stepson, Christian Taylor; twin brother, Gerald Johnson (Shannon); grandmother, Velma Johnson; grandfather, Alexander Johnson; aunt, Brigitte Johnson; uncle, Wayne Johnson; his wife, Beth; godmother, Loquita Celestine; godmother, Paula Parker; numerous cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Bernard Johnson and Judy Faye (Rodgers) Johnson; Imogene Rodgers (grandmother); Edna Faye McDonald (great-grandmother); Tempie Johnson (great aunt); and Thelma Page (great aunt).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Griffin Leggett Healy & Roth Funeral Home at 5800 W 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be at the Cathedral of St. Andrew at 617 S Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Burial with Military Honors at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Chris Parker, Richard Parker, Jeston George, Wesley Hunt, Stephen Lopez, and Daniel Bone.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Subiaco Academy, 405 N. Subiaco Ave.Subiaco, AR 72865, (479) 934-1001 [email protected]
or
American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 16328 Little Rock, AR 72231 www.cancer.org, (800) 227-2345
