Ronald Clyde Johnson

Romans 14:7-8 – “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.  If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Ronald Clyde Johnson, known affectionately as “Herk” by his loved ones, was born on December 18, 1950, in Lavonia, GA, to Jo Evelyn Johnson and Clyde Simpson, who preceded him in death. He passed from this life on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Ronald graduated from Franklin County High School and continued his education at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina before joining the US Army.  He served his country with honor and pride during the Vietnam War before receiving an honorable discharge. As a proud veteran, he demonstrated a deep commitment to his country and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. Ronald was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Lavonia, GA, where he accepted Christ at an early age and actively served for many years. Throughout his lifetime, he shared his love for music and the church by serving as the Minister of Music for several churches in the Northeast Georgia area. His piano performances brought joy to many, and he was fondly known as the “Community Musician.” He generously donated his time to play for weddings, funerals, church programs, and senior centers and nursing homes, where he entertained and uplifted the patients.

Ronald was a man of many talents and used his gifts to serve others. He was a successful business owner of Realistic Painting Company, and worked as a painter, craftsman, interior designer, decorator, gardener, veteran, caregiver, husband, father, grandfather, and friend - truly a "Jack of all Trades."  He put his heart into everything he did, and his music and creativity were ways he expressed his love for God and others.

In 1977, Ronald married Juanita Osborne, and they raised three beautiful daughters. They remained lifelong friends, and Ronald cherished his family above all else. He was proceeded in death by his great grandson – Blaze.  He is survived by his daughters Antonietta Johnson-Marshall (Dwayne), Ershla Johnson (Ruben), and Jade Johnson (Omar), as well as his grandsons - Brison and Solomon, granddaughters - Keziah, Payton, and Jeryln, and his great-granddaughter - Brea. Ronald also leaves behind his paternal aunt - Blanche Rivers, five brothers - Wesley Simpson, Tony Simpson, David Simpson, Tim Simpson, and Lewis Simpson, two close cousins - Marilyn Johnson-Chappelle and Henry Johnson, close friends – Richard Alexander, Allen Campbell, Lewis Curry, III, Nelly Kuntz, James Henry Maddox, and Robert Rok, his beloved fur-buddy Sparky, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Ronald was a remarkable man who touched the lives of many people with his kind heart and generous spirit. He will be remembered for his dedication to his faith, his family, and his community, as well as his many talents and skills.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The repass will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

For those desiring to send floral arrangements it is the family’s request that you please send a plant that can be planted in the ground.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com