Visitation will be on Thursday January 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM with family available to greet friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Vondel Smith & Sons at South Lakes (4000 SW 119th St. OKC, OK 73173)

Services to celebrate his life will be held at the South Lakes Chapel on Friday January 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

On January 15, 2024, Johnny Melvin Johnson, loving husband, father and grandfather, and one-of-a-kind ambassador of courage passed away at the age of eighty. Johnny grew up in south Oklahoma City, OK and graduated from Capitol Hill High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Choosing a career in service was his calling and the impact he made is indelible. He touched hundreds of lives and was a compassionate leader in the recovering community. He led with confidence and never gave up on an individual. And his never-ending patience was his hallmark trait.

Johnny was a counselor at the House of Life, St. Anthony's Start Program, the Decisions Program at Baptist and marketing specialist for Valley Hope. After retiring he worked as a consultant for Robs Ranch.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Olan Johnson and Velma Johnson and brother Jerry Johnson.

Johnny is survived by his wife Barbara Johnson, daughters Susan and husband Kevin Smith, Tina and husband Victor Atherton. Bonus daughters Tammi and husband John Bear, Kelli and husband Pete Adams, and Debbi and husband Jamie Green. Grandchildren Kyle Smith, Kortni Smith and fiancé' Gavin Perkins, Christa Atherton, Tiara and J.T. Gammill, Noah Atherton, Candace and Dustin Cantrell, Bo Echelle, Brooklynn Bear, Matthew Adams, Nick and Jerika Green, Jake Green and Emily Lintner, Samantha Green. Great grandchildren, Paisley, Lairmey and Easton Echelle, Conlea and Saylor Cantrell, Basil, Baxley and Benzley Green.

He is also survived by the Pay It Forward men's group who gather in fellowship and support of one another. And the countless number of grateful men and women - who sat with him in individual and group therapy - addressing their substance abuse addiction.

In his retirement he enjoyed working around "September Acres,'' a small acreage in Newcastle, OK. Here He and Barbara were always hosting pool parties and other events. Johnny really loved using his tractor and taking grandkids on lots of bumpy rides – sometimes almost bumping them off! Being a dad and a grandfather was, in his eyes, his greatest pastime and his greatest achievement.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.

One in three families are affected by substance abuse addiction. Out of this only 10% of individuals suffering from addiction actually have the resources to seek the help they need.

The family has designated 5207 Western Foundation, westernclub.org, for memorial contributions - if you would like to support Johnny's work and continue to Make A Difference in substance abuse addiction.