Ben Johnson
Published 4:20 pm Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Ben Johnson, 82, of Elizabethton, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Johnson City. Ben was born in Elizabethton, Tenn., to the late C.B. and Mittie Belle Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Hogan.
Ben served his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Army at Fort Jackson, S.C., receiving a commendation award. He graduated from East Tennessee State College. He and his father operated Johnson’s Friendly Home Furnishings Company in Elizabethton for over 40 years. He also worked at Zak’s Furniture, Mark’s Appliance, and Dockery’s Inc.
Ben was a very faithful member of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church serving as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School and C.T.S. Teacher, member of the Finance Team, and the Men’s Fellowship during a span of over 54 years. “Pop” was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather.
Those left to cherish Ben’s memory include his loving wife of 26 years, Carolyn Johnson; two sons, Pastor Randy Johnson and wife Gina and Rick Johnson and wife Laura; step-son, Jack Rickman, and step-daughter, Debbie; grandchildren, Megan Harsh and husband Lance, Natalie Wright and husband Jeremy, Kelsey Johnson, Keaton Johnson and Andy Johnson; step-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Camryn Fontenot, Ryan, Miranda and Zoie Rickman. He was blessed with one great-grandson, Neil Stephen Harsh; one sister, Bonnie Flynn of Bristol, Va.; one brother, C.B. Johnson Jr. of Atlanta; the mother of his sons, Sandy Johnson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also loved his special buddy, Z-Poo.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Ben Johnson will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 28, at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church of Elizabethton with Pastor Randy Johnson and Pastor Mark Potter officiating. Music will be provided by Loren Harris, Jeff Snyder and the Valley Forge Praise Choir. The family will receive friends at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, December 28, prior to the service, or at the residence of his sons at any time. The graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, December 29, at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City. Active pallbearers will be Clark Verran, Carl Roberson, Sam Harrison, Curt Gentry, Anthony Johnson, Tim Colbaugh, Jeff Mink and Joe Mink. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen “Peanut” Creasey and the Valley Forge Men’s Fellowship, Trustees, Deacons and Ministers of Valley Forge, Larry Abel Sr., Brian Arrowood, Bill Crawford, Shannon Deloach, Victor Deloach, Joel Elijah, Kenny Greer, Carl Harrison, Kelly Hyder, Bob James, Chuck King, Kevin Kiser, Jay Kyte, John and David McDonnell, Chip Montgomery, Bob Ray, Charlie Mack Smith, Rev. Charlie Trivette, Jim Troutman, Jay Walsh and the entire Valley Forge Church family. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m. Friday. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of the Veterans Administration Medical Center for their compassion and care for our veterans. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church, 1503 Riverview Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Johnson and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information and Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.