Al Burton Johnson, Sr.

Al Burton “Rat” Johnson, Sr., resident of the Somerville Community, retired from the sheetmetal industry, U.S. Veteran and husband of Betty Jo Conner Johnson, departed this life Friday evening, September 12, 2014 at his residence. He was 81 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Johnson were conducted at 2 P.M. Monday, September 15th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Bro. Rhesa Davis, pastor of the Feathers Chapel Baptist Church, officiating. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Hood Cemetery in the Warren Community. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center – Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Johnson was born December 3, 1932 in Greenville, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. Johnson, Sr. and Lora Mae Vaughn Johnson. He received his education in the Greenville, Mississippi and West Memphis, Arkansas Public School Systems and served his country in the United States Army as a young person. He was married July 13, 1976 to the former Betty Jo Conner, who survives.

Mr. Johnson was a resident of Fayette County for 50 years and served as a sheetmetal worker and welder for over 50 years before his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Feathers Chapel Baptist Church in Somerville where he was the director of music and enjoyed outdoor activities that included hunting, fishing, farming and working with his cows. He will be remembered for his strong physique and work ethic and love for Gospel Music.

In addition to his wife of 38 years, Mr. Johnson is survived by two daughters, Melanie Johnson of Wewahitchka, FL, Peggy Johnson Eskew of Lancaster, CA; his son, Al Burton Johnson, Jr. of Memphis; his sister, Linda Glover (Ray) of Somerville; two brothers, Jimmy Johnson (Wadene) of West Memphis, AR, David Johnson (Avice) of Whiteville; four grandchildren, Jennifer Souza, Jason Hughes, Felicia Johnson, Melissa Rudberg; and three great grandchildren, Ronnie Haase, Brendan Souza and Piper Hughes.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Eddie Maher, Jim Score, Jonathan Score, Michael Score, Terry Glover and Vince Martinez.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Feathers Chapel Baptist Church, 3100 Feathers Chapel Drive, Somerville, TN 38068.