Donald Ray Johns

Funeral service for Donald Ray Johns, 77, of Decatur will be today, January 8, 2014, at 1 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tony Riley officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.Mr. Johns, who died Sunday, January 5, 2014, at his residence, was born December 21, 1936, in Morgan County to Albert and Nettie Johns. Donald Johns was blessed with many friends, both young and old, throughout his lifetime. In turn, his friends were blessed with knowing one of the most genuine and honest men they would ever meet. Donald was a fiercely loyal and loving father, his children were always put first. Donald, also known as Papa Johns, doted on his two grandchildren and was delighted to participate in their lives as they grew, whether it was through birthday parties, recitals or sports activities, he was one of their most avid supporters. He valued education and was an honors graduate of Decatur High School, and attended Valdosta State and the University of Alabama of Alabama in Huntsville. Donald served his country six years in the Army Reserve, and retired as a mediator for the United States Postal Service. He was an avid sports fan, but his special devotion was as a lifelong fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the World Champion Boston Red Sox. His family and friends will miss him, but we delight in the knowledge that he is in Paradise with his Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey Johns; two brothers, Edison Johns and Jimmy Johns; and sister, Irene Long.Survivors include one son, Mr. Richard Edison "Eddie" Johns and wife, Christy, of Hartselle; one daughter, Lisette Renee Johns of Decatur; two brothers, Curtis Johns and Allen Johns, both of Decatur; and two grandchildren, Audrey Ann Johns and Cam Johns, both of Hartselle.Pallbearers will be Cam Johns, Allen Johns, Marty Steelman, Bill Vaughn, Jeffery Albright and Billy Pitt.Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, P.O. Box 2745, Decatur, AL 35602.