Ray Edward Johnson

Ray Edward Johnson

Funeral services for Ray Johnson will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Reverend A.M. Mansfield, Reverend Joshua Ward, Reverend Brandon McGowin, and Reverend Chuck Overby officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Nebo Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Johnson, age 85, of Meridian passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Specialty Hospital.

Ray was born in Rowan County, Kentucky. He served in the United States Army in the 18th Armor training battalion. After 37 years of service, Ray retired from the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. His work aided and contributed to USA Moonshot Apollo Program and modern day GPS and mapping systems. He was a diehard Kentucky Wildcats Basketball fan and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association since 1976. Ray was a member of Abundant Life Tabernacle for 31 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma Rigdon Johnson; daughters, Debbie Weir and Sharon “Sherry” Ward (Kerry); grandchildren, Alicia White (Scott), Dana Richardson (Rob), Joshua Ward (Rachael), and Kristina McGowin (Brandon); great grandchildren, Fallon Hughes, Carrington Hughes, Ryleigh Richardson, Cooper Richardson, Braydon McGowin, Rigdon Ward, arriving in August, Olivia Brooke McGowin, and arriving in December, Lydia Rae Ward; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marvin Roy Johnson; son-in-law, George Weir; great-granddaughter, Bella Irene Ward; father, Marvin Johnson; mother, Malta Louise Johnson Christian; sisters, Ruth Morehouse and Lillian Adams; and brother, Lloyd Emil Johnson.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.