Michael R. Johnson

Michael Rodgers Johnson, age 87 of Dayton, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born on May 15, 1937 in Gaffney, South Carolina. Mike was President of his high school class and lettered in all varsity sports. After high school, Mike joined the Naval Reserves and worked for an aviation company in Columbus, Ohio. 

While in the Naval Reserves and living in Columbus, Mike met his future wife, Alyce, through mutual friends. Their first date was to a party and they continued dating. Eventually they eloped, leaving their marriage certificate on Alyce's parents' kitchen table. Alyce's parents were overjoyed to have Mike as their son-in-law. 

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. Mike was an electrical engineer, a private pilot and enjoyed flying his friends and family. He loved his aviation friends and neighbors. He traveled all over the world, was fluent in French and Russian and was a master woodworker. Mike ran 16 marathons after the age of 40 and was known for running with the neighborhood kids. His daughters and three grandsons were the apple of his eye. He will be remembered as an incredible father, a loving husband and the most generous grandfather, who will be dearly missed. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Barsha Broderick.

Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alyce; daughters, Suzanne (Dan) Potter and Michelle Johnson; grandchildren, Elijah, Casey and Liam; and many loving family members in Virginia and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his nurses, especially Dee, Mackenzie and Jennifer, who cared for him extensively and to also thank Hospice of Dayton and Home Instead.

Private Services will be held for the family and he will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, Beavercreek, Ohio.