Bennett Arthur Johnson Jr.

Bennett Johnson (our dad) peacefully joined his wife and best friend Jo Ann (our mom) on Monday evening. Although we’re deeply saddened, dad would be the first to tell you that 90 years of life was a pretty good run—especially the 63 years he spent with mom.

He was known as the stern hand that helped steer us 5 kids, 14 grand kids, 3 great grand kids (and when needed, even some of our childhood friends) in the right direction. It was that same stern hand that ensured family was always first and that his and mom’s home was unconditionally open for family at any time under any circumstance.

He showed his love through the time he spent teaching us the fun of fishing, sailing catamarans, waterskiing and all things boating. He loved a house full of kids, friends and pets and his love for the holidays multiplied that feeling tenfold.

Dad was an every-weekend DIY craftsman who successfully tackled projects from building a room, deck, or attic to the art of making furniture or the delicacy of crafting fishing lures, to the tenderness of raising litters of Irish Setter puppies—and you bet we were all involved.

Born in 1932, in Chattanooga to his parents Bennett (Sr.) and Dorothy Johnson, dad graduated from Notre Dame High School and St. Ambrose University in Indiana. He was a life-long and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. During his 40 year career, he worked at and became president of Chamberlain Company, a Chattanooga real estate and mortgage banking firm founded by his father-in-law the late James R Chamberlain Sr. He then pursued his passion for residential construction helping build the Lakeshore Condominiums and several single-family homes in Chattanooga before he retired.

Close family still alive and kickin’ include us 5 kids and our spouses, Ann (Kevin) Pierce, Art (Karen) Johnson, Joe (Jeana) Johnson, Beth (Mark) Benson, Carol (Scott) Thompson, 14 grandkids, 3 great grandkids and numerous, loving cousins and relatives.

If we had to guess, dad is now enjoying his favorite pastime-- sitting beside mom in their deck chairs, overlooking a bed of stunning roses they’ve grown, both enjoying a cold beer and sharing the details of their day.

The family will receive friends Monday, November 28, 2022 at the East Chapel from 9-11 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at OLPH Catholic Church with Father Mike Nolan officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 South Moore Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.