Chris F Johnson

Chris F Johnson was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Chris will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

He was the son of Julius and Shirley Johnson. Chris grew up in Brownsville, Kentucky until his mid-teens then the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky where he graduated from Waggener High School. He was raised with three brothers. Spencer, Doug (who predeceased him) and Sid. Chris was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

Chris worked hard to be a good husband to Sharon who was the love of his life. They married October 10, 1987 and shared many happy years together before her passing in December 2015. He was a loving father to his children and step-children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Chris was blessed with two sons, Chris and Jeremy from his first marriage then two step-daughters, Michele and Lindy when he married Sharon. Another blessing for Chris was the gift of two grandsons, Beau and Jax and many step-grandchildren too!

     Fortunately, Chris enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Chris worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a steel salesman from 1970 until his retirement in 2013. Chris always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

     Chris was drafted into the Army on May 3, 1968 and graduated from the Non-commissioned Officer Candidate Course with the rank of Sargeant E-5 on January 16, 1969. He served in Vietnam with F Troop, 17th Cavalry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade as a Track Commander. He earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service and a Purple Heart when his track hit a 300lb mine on November 18, 1969. He suffered burns, cuts and lost some teeth but still chose to return to action after his recovery. During his time in Vietnam he also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Marksman qualification, and two Unit Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home. He returned home to civilian life April 8, 1970. To the day he died, he remained in contact with many of these brave men.

     Chris enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He could make you laugh until you cried without even trying. He was the king of one-liners and could cuss a blue streak like no other. He enjoyed classic cars, mysteries like "The Curse of Oak Island", and watching Fox News. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

     Chris was also a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. He enjoyed NASCAR and spending time at Bristol Motor Speedway. He love watching (and complaining about) Kentucky Basketball and enjoyed many years of season tickets to Kentucky football games with his kids.

     Chris was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. He was an active volunteer at the Robley Rex VA Hospital and an advocate for veterans' mental health. He spear-headed the addition of a Vietnam Memorial at his high school honoring the 8 brave young graduates who died for their country in Vietnam as well as all the veterans who graduated there. Politically, Chris was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and a patriot.

      Chris enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included F Troop reunions, visiting family, and trips to Florida with Sharon and their kids.

      Chris passed away on March 3, 2022 at Robley Rex VA Hospital due complications of a two month battle with COVID-19. He is survived by his sons, Chris (Kelly) and Jeremy (Emily), brothers, Spencer and Sid, grandchildren, Beau and Jax as well as extended family. Visitation was held at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 W Jefferson St, LaGrange, KY 40031. Chris was cremated per his wishes.

      Simply stated, Chris was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Chris leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Chris F Johnson.

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Chris F Johnson, 74, of Crestwood, KY passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

He was born to the late Julius and Shirley Johnson in Louisville, KY on February 8, 1948.

Chris was a proud United States Army Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War as a Track Commander with F Troop, 17th Cavalry. He earned a Purple Heart after being injured when his track hit a land mine but chose to return to action. He helped to place a Vietnam Memorial at his alma mater, Waggener High School, honoring 8 local men killed during the Vietnam War and all veterans who have served our Country. Chris was a man whose heart was full of servitude to our country and its veterans, volunteering at Robley Rex VA Medical Center and advocating for improved mental health care for our country's veterans.

In his earlier years he was a Mason in the Masonic Lodge and worked his entire professional career as a Steel Salesman.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Sharon Johnson and brother; Doug Johnson.

Left to cherish the memory of Chris are his sons; Chris W Johnson (Kelly) and Jeremy C Johnson (Emily), 2 grandsons; Beau and Jax Johnson, 2 brothers; Sid and Spencer Johnson, extended family and friends.

A Memorial Gathering to celebrate the life of Chris will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4-7pm at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 W Jefferson St, LaGrange, KY 40031. A presentation of military honors will take place at 6pm.

Memorial donations can be made in Chris's memory to Robley Rex VA Medical Center.