It is with both deep sorrow and steadfast hope in the promise of Heaven that we announce the passing of Ricky Edwin Johnson on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Rick was surrounded by the love of his family and the compassionate care of Southern Ohio Hospice.
Born in Chillicothe on May 14, 1953, to Samuel Franklin Johnson and Mildred Lucille (Minnix) Johnson, Rick spent his early years working alongside his family on their Stockdale farm. Shortly after, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country with honor until 1975.
Following his military service, Rick earned a degree in electro-mechanical engineering from Shawnee State University and furthered his education through the IBEW and other institutions. His professional journey included many years at Mead Paper Mill in Chillicothe and later with Fluor in Piketon. Rick was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical expertise, and willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
On August 11, 1979, Rick married the love of his life, Mary. Together they built a life centered on family and service. They were blessed with two children, Amanda and Jared, whom Rick cherished and guided with quiet strength and unwavering love.
Rick’s greatest joy came from his role within the family—as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful brother. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, always quick to help a neighbor, fix what was broken, or lend an encouraging word. His humility and integrity left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Rapp) Johnson; daughter Amanda (David) Roberts of Waynesville; son Jared (Morgan) Johnson of Stockdale; and two precious granddaughters, Cora and Kelsey Roberts. Rick is also survived by his brothers Tim Johnson, Scott (Charlotte) Johnson, Howard Theobald; and his sisters Tami (Frank) Brown and Lori Theobald, along with many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mildred Johnson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford with Pastor Ed Johnson and Pastor Chris Johnson officiating. He will be laid to rest at Scioto Cemetery on California Pike in Stockdale. Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Military graveside rites will be conducted by James Irwin Post No. 622 American Legion and William A. Baker Post No. 363. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Stockdale or Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union—two places dear to Rick’s heart and reflective of the faith that anchored his life.
