Russell Johnson

Russell Johnson, 71, went running into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and all eight of his grandchildren.

Russell was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 2, 1955, to Frank Johnson and Ruth Morse. Russell had a childhood full of adventure with his three sisters and brother that he deeply loved.

Visitation will be held at Fairfield Christian Church on Saturday August 29th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the graveside service at Union Cemetery in Pleasantville, OH.

Russell’s earthly body may have passed, but his legacy is infinite. Even in death, Russell has given us the comfort of knowing that we will continue to see him everywhere—in the lives he touched, in the work of his hands, and in the mission he devoted his life to.

Russell Johnson was a force. He lived with purpose, passion, and an unwavering faith. When it was time for him to be called home, he had given everything he had. His testimony, his spirit, and the impact of his life has reached far beyond the physical.

Russell will be remembered as a minister, missionary, humanitarian, loyal friend, playful grandfather, devoted father, and loving husband. His life was defined by his faith and by an extraordinary desire to serve others.

His legacy will continue in countless ways.

Every pew in a church that Russell helped build holds someone who is looking for answers. In those places, his life’s work is being honored.

Every time an orphan has a safe place to sleep in one of the many orphanages Russell helped build, his spirit is alive and among us.

Every time a village has clean drinking water because he rallied the right people to build it, his mission is still alive.

Every day that children walk the halls of Fairfield Christian Academy, Russell’s vision continues to live on.

And every time his eight grandbabies giggle, love, and move through life with the confidence that their Papa paved the way for them, his prayers are still being answered.

Russell leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by what he accomplished, but by the lives he changed and the love he gave so freely. His work will continue. His prayers will continue to be answered. His faith will continue to inspire. And his love will continue to live in the hearts of everyone blessed to know him.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Babs Johnson; his son, Justin Johnson and Alicia; his daughter, Whitney Johnson and Devin; Valerie and Nate Burgess, whom he loved as his own, and his grandchildren, Brooklyn, Ezra, Ashton, Ella, Rylan, Charleigh, Eliza, Evie and Praisley. Also survived by his siblings Cathy, Karen, Phillip and Debbie.

Though we grieve the loss of Russell’s earthly presence, we rejoice in knowing that his race is finished, his work here is complete, and he is home with Jesus.

His legacy is infinite. His mission lives on. And he will be loved and missed until we meet again.

“You can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed” -Russell Johnson

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairfield Christian Academy Scholarship Fund.