John "Bug" Johnson

JOHN BUG JOHNSON Aug. 28, 1961 ~ Sept. 8, 2009

When folks speak of Bug Johnson they will speak of kindness, loyalty, generosity and complete devotion to the two most important girls in his life ~ his wife Jennifer and his daughter Jessica.

They will speak of a man whose goodness was apparent in his face and demeanor; one of those people who, when he smiled ~ and Bugs smile was quick and often ~ when he smiled, he smiled with his whole face. It was the ready smile of a man who was at peace with life and his place in it; an unassuming, hardworking man who was content with the enduring affection he felt toward his family and they felt towards him.

He left this world too young and too suddenly, and for reasons known only to the Lord. Perhaps one day when Bug is reunited with those who love him most, the Lord will explain those reasons. Until then, may He grant those who are left behind peace, acceptance and the understanding that He never burdens us with more than we can carry.

Bug is not lost to those who hold Gods promise of eternal life in their hearts. He has just gone on ahead.

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Bug Johnson is preceded in death by his mother Billie Jean Johnson, his grandparents Calvin and Lea Johnson, Winter and Amy Spurlin, and uncle Marvin Spurlin.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer F. McElrath Johnson and daughter Jessica J. Johnson; father Robert R. Johnson; brother Mike Johnson, sister-in-law Sherry Johnson; sister Donna Lawson, sister LouAnn Baggett, brother-in-law Jeff Baggett; and numerous immediate and extended family members, including: Jennifers parents James D. McElrath and Gwendolyn F. Passmore McElrath; her brother Matthew Scott McElrath and Scotts daughters; nephews and nieces Stephen Lawson II, Dustin Lawson, Corey Baggett, Callie Baggett, Chloe Baggett, Staci Johnson, Michael Johnson II, Mekalah L. McElrath, Sydni F. McElrath and other great nieces, cousins and special friends, including Uncle Dub Spurlin and Aunt Carolyn Spurlin.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church.

Pall bearers are Stephen Lawson II, Dustin Lawson, Corey Baggett, Michael Johnson II, Scott McElrath, Jackie Sanders, Silverio Ortiz and Monte Lowe.

Honorary pall bearers are Jarrett Samples, Kenneth Schnebel, Jason Beetle Tinsley, Jason Haun and David Keller.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the John Bug Johnson Memorial Fund. Donations will be accepted at Southern Heritage Bank in Cleveland, TN or at www.bugjohnson.com

The family will receieve friends Sunday, September 13, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements by Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net