Tracy Keith Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tracy Keith Johnson. He passed peacefully on April 7, 2025, in the comfort of his own home in Buckeye, Arizona. Tracy was born on August 31, 1964, to Carl and Linda Johnson in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent his life deeply committed to agriculture and the community. He was a much-loved husband, father, brother, and son.

Tracy is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kris Johnson; his daughter Emily Johnson; his father, Carl Johnson (Jani); his sister Gina Gullett (Johnny); brother Trent Johnson (Kimi); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Martin) Johnson.

Throughout his life, Tracy was a passionate agriculturist and farmer. He worked on farms in central Arizona since his legs were long enough to reach the tractor pedals, and long before air-conditioned tractor cabs. He started driving a tractor alongside his dad and brother while working for family friends, the Vanosdell’s. Then transitioned to Paloma Ranch (Prudential Insurance Company), Bickman Farms, Lakin Milling, and Lakin Cattle Company. He worked for the Lakin family for the last 30 years. He farmed a variety of crops including roses, vegetables, cotton, alfalfa, Bermuda grass, wheat, and corn. Tracy’s favorite thing in life was to plant a seed, irrigate, fertilize, watch it grow, and then harvest the crop. You wouldn’t catch Tracy in the field without one of his four-legged companions. He had a deep love for hairy Australian shepherds (Shasta, Harley, Pistol and Pearl) who were a fan favorite at the parts stores, banks, tire stores, and most other places he went.

Tracy’s passion for service led him to volunteer on multiple boards throughout the years where he made lasting contributions to the community. He was a respected member of the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center Advisory Committee, Maricopa County Fair Board, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Board, Maricopa County 4-H Large Livestock Board, Arizona Forage Producers, and Maricopa County Farm Bureau Board. Through his dedication, he worked hard to improve the lives of others and support the agricultural community.

Tracy will be remembered not only for his leadership, but for his generosity, and the countless ways he made a difference in the lives of those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and compassion. Tracy will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arizona FFA Foundation for an Endowment Scholarship in Tracy’s name. This scholarship will help continue Tracy’s commitment to supporting youth in agriculture and ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come. Donations can be sent to: Arizona FFA Foundation, In Memory of Tracy Johnson, PO Box 5310, Glendale, AZ 85312; rochell@azffafoundation.org; https://2024FFAPrograms.givesmart.com. If utilizing the website, please sign in or register, to donate.

If you would like flowers delivered to the Celebration of Life Service, please have the flowers delivered to Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338, no later than Monday, April 21, 2025, 5:00 pm. This will ensure the arrangements are delivered on time to the Celebration of Life.

A celebration of Life will be held on April 22, 2025, at 10:30 am, at the W.T. Gladden Family Event Center, 6113 S. Dean Road, Buckeye, Arizona 85326.