Horace Mitchell Johnson

Horace Mitchell Johnson was born August 21, 1938 to Herbert Menton Johnson and Jenny Evelyn Springs Johnson Wall in Loris, South Carolina. He entered into rest peacefully on October 1st, 2017 surrounded by his family.

Visitation 1-2:30 pm, Funeral Service 2:30 pm, Friday, October 6 at McGilley & George Funeral Home, 611 Chestnut Belton, MO. Burial to follow in Belton Cemetery with full Military Honors. Condolences may be made at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 62 years, Rubie Dell Timmons Johnson, his daughter Sherry Ann Parsons, and three sons Horace Ricky Johnson and wife Terri Van Trump Johnson of Raymore, MO, Dale Mitchell Johnson and wife Marcia Roberts of Lee’s Summit, MO and Mark David Johnson. Brothers James F. Johnson of North Carolina, Albert V. Johnson of Arizona, and sister Sarah M. Talton of North Carolina, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survive him.

He retired from The United States Air Force in 1974 after a long and distinguished 21-year military career. After traveling the world, he settled in Belton MO and started a second career as Warehouse Manager for U.S. Toy Company in Grandview, MO before retiring in 1996.

His love of fast pitch softball allowed him to play first base internationally in the Softball World Series as a member of the U.S. Air Force Fast Pitch Softball Team where he was affectionately known as “Big John” and in later years they would chant from the stands when he would come up to bat “The Old Grey Mare – He ain’t what he used to be”. He continued to play, watch and coach throughout his life.

Later in life, he chased a white ball around 18 holes as much as possible. Eventually running tournaments for Eagle’s Landing Golf Course in Belton Mo. He also loved woodworking and spending time building things and tinkering in his home shop. Horace was a 50-year member of the Masonic Freemasons.

One of his greatest pleasures was spending time and making memories with family. He loved nothing more than having everyone over for cookouts and pig roasts. Being surrounded by his numerous friends and family members including his beloved nine grandchildren (Stacey Ohl, Greg and Chelsea Parsons, Alexandria and Ryan Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Abbie Mock, Alicen Mock, and Andrea Roberts) and six great-grandchildren (Faith-Ann and MacKayla Schmoekel, Madi Baker, Zaiyne Ferguson, and Lily Roberts).

Horace lived a full and eventful life full of travel, family adventures, and many cherished memories that will be fondly remembered by all that knew him.