Walter "Gene" Eugene Johnson

Gene was born November 30, 1930 in Moundville, to the late George Marshall and Salley G. Johnson. He graduated from Hale County High School, where he played football, in recent years, he was honored for having made, a school-wide ‘longest return kick for a touchdown’ record, a record which still stands! He met the love of his life, Hazel (Coleman), in 1949, while working at Colburn’s Flower Shop in Greensboro, AL. The two were married and started a family shortly thereafter. Gene went to work for Gulf States as a Machinist, where he worked for many years, up until his retirement. Together with his wife Hazel, they opened their home and served as Caregivers for numerous Partlow Clients. Mr. Johnson was a faithful Christian Man, always working to spread God’s love and message of salvation. He aided in the early foundation of Skyland Blvd. First Assembly of God, where he served in many capacities, including Deacon. In later years he moved his membership to Old Salem Baptist Church where he and Hazel continued to serve faithfully. Gene had a passion for music, especially Gospel Bluegrass Music, was talented and enjoyed playing his Upright Bass, as part of the Pickens Bluegrass, Culman County Bluegrass and the Gospel Sounds groups. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his grandson Jason Davis; son in law Randall Davis; six brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his ever-faithful wife of 71 years, Hazel Johnson; daughters Shelia (Jimmy) Washington and Marie Davis; grandchildren: Jarrod Washington, Alisa (Josh) McCandless and Steven Davis; great grandchildren: Scarlett Washington, Caleb McCandless, Ellie McCandless, Pamela Davis and Elijah Davis; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 09, 2021, from 1-2pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Followed immediately by a Funeral Service at 2pm from the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Chad Lowery officiating. Interment will follow from Memory Hill Gardens, Garden of the Last Supper, under the direction of Memory Chapel, a Dignity Memorial provider.

David Coleman, Ricky Coleman, Jimmy Washington, Jarrod Washington, Steven Davis, Josh McCandless, Pete Johnson and George Johnson will serve as Active Pallbearers. The family wishes to recognize: Dr. Stephen Browne and the nurses and staff of Hospice of West Alabama as Honorary Pallbearers.