On February 23, 2021, Joe came face to face with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His youth was spent in the Panola/Elysian Fields, Texas area where he made life-long friends with fond memories and hilarious stories he shared frequently. As the saying goes, “Deep in the heart of Texas”, Texas remained deep in his heart. On trips to MD Anderson he would say, “Look at that Texas State Flag-that is a pretty, pretty flag!” Joe lived and worked most of his adult life in Shreveport, Louisiana. After he retired his business, Ashley’s Saw & Hardware, Outdoor Products, to his son, he moved to his “heaven on earth”- Austin Acres located in the Hunter community of DeSoto Parish.
Joe was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Rex Johnson and Ketura “Toots” Dennis Johnson on April 8, 1941 of Panola, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia “Pat” Austin Johnson, son David Johnson (Kim), daughter Kelly Ketchum (Chad), grandson Luke Johnson (Alli), granddaughters Landry Johnson, Katie Ketchum, Lauren Ketchum, and Austin Olivia Ketchum, beloved dog Daisy, and a multitude of cherished family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Rex Wright Johnson, sister Eva Johnson Haynes, and treasured brother-in-law, Dick Haynes.
Joe served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a faithful church member and deacon. First and foremost, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he found on his 21st birthday and served faithfully the rest of his life. His family was his only real pride and a tremendous joy. The happiest years of his life were the last several as he worked the farm and cows with his sweet pal Daisy. Friends meant so much to him and the fellowship they shared. His heart was that of a true patriot for America and those that stand for her freedom, past and present. He was a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association. Joe was the definition of a hard worker and didn’t know the meaning of “give up, quit, or not try.” He possessed wisdom through life experiences but mainly from God’s word. He was tough as a boot in his work ethic and integrity, seriously loving as a husband, daddy, and granddaddy, a dedicated friend, yet yielded completely to his Heavenly Father. His final wishes were not about possessions or pride; rather this- let God into YOUR life and be saved through His Son, Jesus Christ. His hope is for you to EXPERIENCE God in a real and personal way. This past Christmas he reminded us all, no matter what, God is in control.
He requested those that attend any services do so in a casual manner- he loved his shorts, jeans, and overalls! The family will receive guests at Centuries Memorial on Mansfield Road in Shreveport, LA on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 5 to 7 in the evening. Funeral services will be held at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow immediately at Hunter Magnolia Cemetery in the Stanley, LA area. Dr. Cliff Estes with preside over services with Rev. John Harp assisting and Brother David Permenter sharing at the graveside. Pallbearers will be Dave Baker, Rick Brown, Steve Chadwick, Herb DalSantos, Luke Johnson, and Johnny Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Austin, Chad Ketchum, Rick Nunley, and Freddie Williford. Joe had a tender heart for children he saw battling cancer. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Center or MD Anderson Children’s Department. A special thanks to everyone that helped in big, small, and prayful ways.
