Ralph Donald Johnson

Ralph Donald Johnson, Sr. was born on October 22, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to the proud parents of Mr. Joseph Johnson Sr. and Mrs. Bessie Johnson. Ralph was one of nine children lovingly called “Hinky”.

Ralph met and married Mabel Williams. To this union were born three sons, Michael, Wayne and Ralph Jr. and four daughters Denise, Monica, Pamela and Lisa.

Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. He served the Burnside Community Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois as a Deacon.

Ralph joined the United States Army and served from January 29, 1946 to February 14, 1949. Ralph was a boxer for the United States Army. He travelled various parts of the world boxing for the Army. Ralph became one of Chicago’s first African American Firefighters on November 1, 1954; He also played in the band. He retired as a Captain in the fire department on July 12, 1988.

Ralph was an avid bowler. In his quiet moments, he loved playing the guitar and the clarinet. He loved jazz music and at this very moment, Lou Rawls “Like a Natural Man” is the cd in his cd player. He loved watching the Spanish channel even though he didn’t speak of lick of Spanish. He was a great chess player. Ralph was a very humorous person. If you asked him how do you feel? He would reply “with my hands mostly.” When asked, what do you want to eat? He would reply “tadas, matas and meat”. He would be your best friend if you bought him donuts.

Ralph made his final transition from this earthly life into eternal rest on Thursday, June 15, 2017. He is preceded in death by his wife Mable Johnson; parents Bessie and Joseph Jr., his sisters Virginia Bruce, Dorothy Joseph, Jeanette Horton, Bettye Wilson, Patricia Wilson and his brothers Joseph Jr., Fred and Eugene Johnson.

Ralph touched many lives for nearly 90 years. He leaves precious memories to 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. We are beyond blessed and privileged to have had him as an example.