Retired USAF MSGT James Fred Johnson, 95, of Fayetteville, Tennessee passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Bailey Manor in Fayetteville.  

Funeral services were held Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Jeremy Hudgins officiating. Burial followed in Riverview Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Fred was born on Feb. 8, 1929, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, to the late Walter Woody Johnson and Lois Era Murdock Johnson. He was a 1947 graduate of Central High School. After high school, MSGT Johnson served 20 years in the US Air Force, serving in Vietnam. After retirement from the USAF, Mr. Johnson worked as a guard at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, and earned his associate degree in business from Alabama Christian College. Fred was a member of the Kirkland Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge in Smyrna, Tennessee, and the Eastern Star in Fayetteville.

Fred and Dean united in marriage on May 14, 1955, and their journey together blossomed, spanning nearly 69 wonderful years.

Fred enjoyed spending time with his family bowling, playing Rook, dominos and monopoly. Fred and Dean enjoyed square dancing, and he was always happy to hold his bride close to him all his married life. Fred was also a mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and tractors.

Survivors include his wife, Dean Ferguson Johnson; daughters, Linda (Ronald) Scott of Taft, Tennessee, and Gloria (Tim) McPeters of Fayetteville; and grandchildren, Patrick Wayne (Caitlyn) Scott, Mark Bembry, Jennifer Bembry, and John (Stephanie) Dickey. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Robinson; and brothers, Clyde Johnson and Lewis Johnson.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Retired USAF MSGT James Fred Johnson.