Jack "Rusty" Donald Johnson

It is with heavy hearts the family of Jack “Rusty” Johnson announces his passing on September 16, 2024, at the age of 95. He was born in Crandall, Georgia on October 22, 1928, to William and Mae Johnson. The family moved to Alcoa, Tennessee when he was three years old. He graduated from Alcoa High School and attended Hiwassee College. One highlight of his senior year at Alcoa High School was being named “Biggest Flirt”. He was also known for his jitterbug moves. He spent summers with his uncle and aunt, Clint and Jane Bryant, at their farm in Crandall, Georgia. Farming was hard work, but he learned valuable ethics. Rusty was of the Baptist faith and a veteran of the Korean War. He worked at the Alcoa Aluminum Company (ARCONIC) for 30 years and was a member of the 25-year club. Rusty was a sportsman for all seasons. He participated in football, baseball, bowling, golfing, fishing, bird hunting, and shooting sporting clays. He and his son, Scott won father-son tournaments in fishing and sporting clays. Rusty was not the average retiree. He became interested in sporting clays in 1995 at the age of 67. He and his wife, Marie, traveled extensively to attend shooting competitions. He was an “A” class shooter and won the 1999 Nationals held in Texas. For seven consecutive years he qualified for the All-State Shooting Team. His “man cave” is filled with trophies and other priceless memories. Rusty was proudly inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007. He not only was a sports enthusiast, but he enjoyed writing some poetry. The following was a favorite:

 “O’ Lord when I die, bury me deep

 Put a case of shells at my feet

 Put my old shotgun in my hand,

 Let me hunt on my way to the Promise Land”

Rusty was preceded in death by his father, William Johnson; mother, Mae Johnson; son, Mike Johnson (05-07-22); father-in-law, Norman Padalino; mother-in-law, Hazel Padalino; uncles and aunts, to include Clint and Jane Bryant and Julian and Willodean Massey.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 49 years, Marie Johnson; devoted daughter, Linda Garrison; sons, Scott (Melissa) Johnson and Steve (Marta) Johnson; daughter-in-law, Dede Johnson; granddaughter, Jillian Johnson; grandsons, Andrew Johnson, Reese Johnson and Evan Johnson; brother-in-law, Michael Padalino; sister-in-law, Jan Padalino; and a host of other relatives. Rusty was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and a loyal friend to many. He loved the Lord, family, friends, blessings received, nature, and living each day to the fullest. Those of us who loved him will forever and a day have a special place in our hearts for him. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care and support received from the U.T. Medical Center Hospice team.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Grandview Pavilion with the service to follow at 1:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee or the charity of your choice.