Richard "Rich" Johnson Sr.

Richard Everett Johnson, son of the late Joseph Everett and Marion S. Johnson was born in Washington, DC on October 29, 1943, and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2024.

He was united in holy matrimony to Joyce Johnson (Dawkins), in Sedalia, Missouri on January 20, 1973. This union was blessed with two beautiful sons – Richard (Jr.) and Reginald, whom he loved and cherished. 

Richard was educated in the District of Columbia Public Schools; and in high school he earned the nickname “Foots” because of his size 16 feet. Upon graduation, Richard entered the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam Conflict and stations throughout the world, most notably his last tour of duty was at Incirlik Airforce Base in Turkey. He served his country for 27 years, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sargent from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. 

Following the military, Richard held supervisory positions at Emery Worldwide and Talbert Towers parking garage. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing Pinocle and making others laugh. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, especially political conspiracies – and would often begin conversations, with “let me ask you something?” And routinely challenged anyone’s point of view with the latest intrigues he had read. He also enjoyed walking, biking and gambling (visiting) local casinos. Through the years, Richard’s activities were curtailed by his declining health and loss of vision, nevertheless his sense of humor never faltered. 

His beloved wife Joyce went home to be with the Lord in February of 2022; after which his activities were slowly curtailed by his own declining health and loss of vision. 

Richard leaves to mourn sons Richard, Jr. (Dayton, OH), Reginald and daughter-in-love Jolene, (Pittsburgh, PA); grandchildren: Amiah of Dayton, OH; Katie Grace and Chad (Pittsburgh, PA). Sisters: Marion J. Washington of Washington, DC; Jacqueline E. Morton of Ft. Washington, MD, and Michelle R. Smith of Winter Park, FL. Brothers: Jerome E. Johnson (Diane) of Clinton, MD and his younger brother Michael S. Johnson (sister-in-love Veronica) who proceeded him in death, in 2018. Sisters-in-love: Neva (Bobby) Forney of Alamogordo, NM; Eva (Eddie) Hawkins of Oklahoma City, OK; Shirley Rosborough of Longview, TX and; Veronica D. Johnson of Silver Spring, MD. 

A loving host of friends, neighbors, co-workers and former military buddies, nieces, nephews who will cherish him forever.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00AM, all at Newcomer Funeral Home - North Dayton Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd. Dayton, OH 45424.

Richard will be laid to rest at Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton, OH.