Gary Michael Johnson

Published 12:06 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Gary Michael Johnson, 83, entered heaven’s gates on April 18, 2025, at the Veterans Administration Mountain Home Community Living Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Mr. Johnson was a native of Carter County, Tennessee, and the son of the late Herbert and Mary Baines Johnson.

He retired as a sergeant first class from the United States Army. He left home at the young age of 17 to begin what would be an illustrious military career. Rising steadily through the ranks, he served with honor and distinction in multiple international assignments. A highlight of his 23-year career was his participation in the Third Armored Division’s monthlong winter training exercises in Grafenwöhr, Germany. Known as “The Spearhead” for its role in the Normandy campaign and beyond, the division’s rigorous training emphasized cold-weather operations, tactical mobility and preparedness for chemical, biological and radiological warfare. He also trained in weapons proficiency, including range firing and the operation of team-served weapons such as the M-60 machine gun and 105 mm and 120 mm tank guns.

Sergeant Johnson was one of 11 service members selected to represent the Army in honor of the USO’s 26th birthday celebration at a four-day fair in Tokyo. He was also named Noncommissioned Officer of the Month for the Seventh Infantry Division in Korea on Oct. 7, 1966. He was chosen for his soldierly appearance, knowledge and performance of duties, and military courtesy. He had the highest score of the 12 participating staff sergeants on tests administered by the division G-3 section.

He was assigned as a tank commander with the Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star, which commends heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement or meritorious service in a combat zone.

He is survived by his eldest daughter and son-in-law, Vivian and Ed Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee; and two sons and a daughter-in-law, Sidney Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Hunter and Amanda Johnson, also of Huntsville. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Johnson of Hampton, Tennessee; his sister, Judy Goodwin of Elizabethton, Tennessee; and three granddaughters, Lillian and Katelyn Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Brooklyn Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama.

A graveside service will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Glen Layfield officiating. Pallbearers are Ed Johnson, Sidney Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Glen Layfield and Matt Cornett. Military honors will be rendered by the Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities.

A visitation will be held prior to the graveside service in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to be serving the Johnson family.