Gilbert Johnson Jr.

Gilbert F. Johnson Jr., age 92, of Cottondale, Alabama passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Bill Lollar and John Stephens Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 6pm-8pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Johnson; mother, Lily Johnson; grandson, Gil Johnson; 2 sisters, 6 brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Johnson; daughter, Deborah Johnson McCraw (Steve); sons, Gary Johnson (Bonnie), Thomas Johnson (Theresa), George Johnson (Tina), Benny Johnson (Missy), Joe Johnson (Nikki), Jeff Johnson (Patricia); sister, Sue Leslie; brother, Tony Johnson; 34 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be sons- Gary, Thomas, George, Benny, Joe and Jeff Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers are ProHealth Nurses and staff.

Gilbert was many things- a soldier, a servant, a cook, an advocate- but most of all, he was the heartbeat of a family that spans generations. His love rippled outward into the world, touching countless lives with warmth, patience, and fierce devotion.

Gilbert served with honor and humility in the Korean War. His service didn't end when he returned home- it became part of his life's mission. For 30 years, Gilbert served at the VA Hospital as dietetics cook. Feeding not only the bodies but often the spirits of fellow veterans.

Gilbert loved sports not just for the competition, but for the community- the laughter, the cheer, the long drives home with his wife and children. He believed life's real victories happened off the scoreboard in family, faith, in service.

To his family and friends, Gilbert was a foundation- steady, kind, and full of quiet wisdom. He loved unconditionally.