Alfred "Jake" Richard Johnson Sr., age 95, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 11, 2022. Alfred was born August 12, 1926 in Knoxville, Tennessee. None of us know the day or hour that we will breathe our last breath and when our time on earth is up and we will meet Jesus face to face. On Monday April 11, in the blink of an eye and the beat of a heart Alfred “Jake” Johnson experienced that moment and we are confident he is now standing in the presence of God. As his family would put it, "He went quickly, getting his way as usual."
Al was a loving father, papaw, and big papaw who always had a good joke to share. He was a dedicated fireman for 31 years, during which he was promoted to Deputy Chief and served for 11 years. Al was also a longtime member of the Knoxville Rescue Squad. He left an honorable legacy and was a faithful servant of his community (at the time of his death he was the oldest living retired City of Knoxville fireman) and of his family. He enjoyed working as a handyman and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Al also enjoyed bluegrass music and pickin' and grinnin'. He began his country music singing career at 90, performing at the South Knoxville Senior Center and surrounding areas with his band, The Raccoon Valley Boys. When he wasn't on stage, he also enjoyed serenading friends, family, and doctors/nurses at his visits. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. In his later years he grew closer to the Lord, spending time with Diana reading the Bible and in prayer.
Preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen Ruth Johnson; parents, Meno and Mae Johnson; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.
He leaves behind his daughter, Diana Ruth Johnson McGuire; son, A. Richard Johnson Jr. (Mary); grandchildren: Heather Braden (Tim), Mary Margaret Johnson, and Pace Richard Johnson; great-grandchildren: Jacob Braden, Benjamin Braden, and Maggie Ruth Braden.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friday, April 15, 2022 at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM, Chaplain Paul Trumpore officiating. Family and friends will meet at Berry Funeral Home at 12:15 PM Saturday, April 16, 2022 to proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for a 1:00 PM interment. Pallbearers: A. Richard Johnson Jr., Robert Deaderick, Tim Braden, Jacob Braden, and Benjamin Braden. Honorary Pallbearers: Bryce Umstead and Doug Bruce.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Knoxville Fire Department, especially Station 19 and to Chaplain Paul Trumpore.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Johnson family.
