Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson, age 76, of Clifton, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 13, 2023 at Providence Hospital in Waco.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Richard was born August 30, 1946 in Nacogdoches, the son of O.E. and Gwen (Eddings) Johnson. He attended Reklaw Elementary School and graduated from Rusk High School in 1964, where he played football for the Eagles. He then went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he was active with the Corp of Cadets. On January 8, 2003 he was united in marriage to Sharon Hopper in Jacksonville. Richard was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He loved God and loved to talk to anyone who asked about his deep faith and commitment to his Lord. He taught many Sunday School classes and many of his students still contact him today as to how he changed their life. He loved the Catholic faith and was deeply studied in the theology and history of the church. Richard was also a member of the Knights Of Columbus Council #2305 and a brother to the ACTS Fellowship. He worked in sales and was a Nutritionist for West Feed Mill for many years before retiring in 2009, however, he continued to help out until very recently. Richard loved his job and said he would work there as long as he was able. He also worked for Rusk Federal Savings & Loan as a loan officer. Richard loved his family and took the role of Father and Grandfather seriously and always kept up with the lives of his children and grandchildren even when his health kept him from seeing them as often as he wished. He let them know thru his messages, letters, and social media of his desire to keep their decisions on a straight path and their relationship with God strong. Even in poor health, he enjoyed tending to his cattle, mowing the pasture, and enjoying retirement on his small farm. His dog, Sadie, was his constant companion and kept him company until his final days at home.

Richard is also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marlys Thrash and Carolyn Russell; and a brother, Orville Lynn Johnson.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 20 years, Sharon Johnson of Clifton; his children, Karmon Spurlock of Rusk, Kristi McRight and husband Sean of Jacksonville, Shelly  Willeford and husband Jeff of Crawford, and Matthew Barton and wife Sindy of Cleburne; a sister Pamela Grimes and husband Fred; his mother-in-law, Ardelle Hopper; his grandchildren, Brandon  Corley and wife Susan, Hope Oliver and husband Brent, Makayla Jennings, Logan Walley, Tessa Traylor and husband Joel, Landon Walley, Jake Willeford, Luke Willeford, Macey Barton, Cohen Barton, Connor Barton, and Mackenzie Barton; his great grandchildren, Mattison, Anna, Audrie and Nash Oliver, and Hudson and Kashton Graham; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Jeff Willeford, Matthew Barton, Sean McRight, Brent Oliver, Jerry Charanza, Don Locke, Omar Perez and Jeremy Sprayberry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc. in honor of his great granddaughter Audrie Oliver.