Donald Ray Johnson was born on January 22, 1938, in Bolivar County, MS, and passed away on May 10, 2026. He attended Shelby High School and served in the Army National Guard of Mississippi, receiving an honorable discharge in 1958. He spent the majority of his adult life in Brandon, MS, where he was a member of Crossgates Baptist Church and the proud owner and operator of Johnson's Body Shop.

In his younger years, Donald enjoyed playing softball, and in retirement he and his beloved wife, Betty, spent ten wonderful years traveling together throughout the United States and Canada. In his later years, he found joy in dancing and continued his love of travel alongside his companion, Sarah McQuillin.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis Theodore Johnson and Flora Lofton Johnson; his wife of 46 years, Betty Jewel Cox Johnson; his son, Donald Wayne Johnson; his grandson, Zachary Johnson; and his siblings, Delroy Johnson, Delores Guysinger, Billy Johnson, and Betty Buck.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Johnson, of Russellville, AR; his daughter, Pamela Carol Johnson Kitch (John), of Gulfport; four grandchildren, Daniel Johnson (April) of Kosciusko, Kelsey Ferguson (Ian) of New Orleans, LA, Sydney Island (Rory) of Gulfport, and Erinn Dominguez (Zach) of Gulfport; and ten great-grandchildren, Brianna, Sawyer, Charleigh Mae, and Jewells Johnson; Leonidas and Miles Ferguson; Vada and Rory Jr. Island; and Cecilia and Emmie Dominguez.

Donald Ray Johnson lived a full life rich with hard work and adventure. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at Ott and Lee funeral home in Brandon, MS.