Ronnie Johnson

Ronnie Johnson, lived his life like the time and place into which he was born: eager to experience everything he could, convinced that anything was possible, and a little wild and carefree. Born in Knoxville in 1947, Ronnie attended Bearden Elementary and Junior High, graduating from West High School in 1966. He then joined the Army and served in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts as a Forward Observer and Tank Commander in the 11th Armored Cavalry. After returning to the US, he and his wife Frankie had twin daughters, Angie and Mandy. Never satisfied to sit still, Ronnie raced cars at Atomic Speedway, started several successful businesses, served in the Tennessee National Guard, played golf, and genuinely enjoyed life. After a stroke slowed him down, he was still able to find new passions, whether it was buying and restoring cars, playing games on his computer, or spending time with his friends at the Elks Lodge No. 160. When his health required a move to Virginia, he was able to enjoy himself and make some of the best friends of his life. Ronnie passed away on December 4 with his daughters at his side. Preceded in death by his birth parents, Juanita Chadwick and Charles Johnson, and his adoptive parents, Bonnie and Vernon Harris. Survived by his daughters, Amanda Jordan and Angie Riedl, Sister Phyllis Kramer, grandchildren Andrew Davidson, Anna Davidson, John Riedl, Will Jordan, Nate Jordan, and Matt Riedl, and great-grand-daughter, Oakleigh Spangler. Services will be held at a later date in his hometown in Knoxville, Tennessee. Online condolences may be left at www.nelsenrichmond.com