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Joseph Ray Johnson, age 71, passed away on April 15, 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale. He was born on May 3, 1954, in Springdale, Arkansas to Donna and Earl Johnson. Joe spent his childhood hiking, camping, and fishing along Kings River and in the woods of Venus Mountain with his brothers and friends—places that remained close to his heart throughout his life. After graduating from high school, Joe joined the United States Navy, where he served aboard the nuclear submarine James Monroe from 1973-1979 based out of Newport News, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Though his service took him around the world, he especially loved his time in Scotland, where he enjoyed hiking and camping on the open moors. By his own account, his favorite part of submarine life was the time spent off the submarine. In 1977, Joe married Bonnie Wilkinson, and together they had two children, Andrea and Josh. He worked at the vo-tech in Harrison, Arkansas, and later repaired industrial electronics while living in Little Rock. No matter where life took him, Joe continued to camp and hike in the wilds of Madison County whenever possible. After his years in Little Rock, Joe returned home to Venus Mountain, where he built a life rooted in the land and community he loved. He went to work at Ducommun in Huntsville, where he met his future wife Lisa Campbell. They got married in May 2007 in a joyful ceremony filled with Hawaiian shirts, good friends, and a rollicking good time. For over a decade, Joe and Lisa’s Memorial Day parties were the stuff of legend. Joe enjoyed gardening, listening to good music, “shooting the moon” while winning at Hearts, reading—especially science fiction and fantasy—grilling meat over an open flame, taking walks in the woods, and the company of friends, family, and pets. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna and Earl Johnson, and his grandson Beau. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his children, Andrea, Josh, and Shayla; his brothers, Larry, Dale, and David; many nieces and nephews; his grandchildren, Amelia, Jacob, Ben, Joshua, and, last but certainly not least, his “honey bunny,” Huntleigh. The family will receive friends 9:00 AM-10:00 AM, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral Service will immediately follow at 10:00 AM with Evan Walden officiating. Pallbearers will be Mike Dennis, Kerry Littrell, Brent Myers, Tom Glass, David Deaton, and David Johnson. Interment will immediately follow services at Venus Cemetery, Witter, AR. Come wearing your favorite band T-shirt, Hawaiian shirt or Razorback gear. While flowers are lovely, we encourage you to bring seed packets of your favorite flowers or vegetables so Lisa, Shayla and Huntleigh can plant them in remembrance. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Joseph Ray Johnson

May 3, 1954 - April 15, 2026