Danny Ray Johnson

Danny Ray Johnson was born on September 12, 1951, in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky, to Flossie & Willard Johnson.



From a young age, Danny loved to learn. Though he had a deep love of home, he followed a desire to see the world, and joined the Air Force at age 20. There he met his wife Rose, and they married after a 3-month courtship in 1973. Together they lived in Germany, Kentucky, and Virginia, eventually settling in Southern California for 28 years. During their long marriage they built a family, and raised children Gary, Kenny, & Lisa.



Danny had many talents, and worked in many professions. He was a coal miner, a planner for McDonnell Douglas, a mechanic, an electrician, a disc jockey. He fixed anything & everything, from cars to computers.



Danny spoke often of his upbringing in Virginia & Kentucky, & greatly missed his family back East. He was a proud hillbilly, and wore his cowboy hat and flip-flops with style.



Throughout his life, Danny had a passion for music. He was a talented guitarist, spending many hours singing & playing, writing countless songs. He loved to karaoke, whether out with groups of friends, or at home in the living room.



He was an avid reader, filling the home with books. He even wrote his own stories, including one elaborate tale of the adventures of Gary, Kenny, & Lisa on their journey through the forest to Aunt Wilma's house.



He was also a strong man - from early ages, until his death, he remained strong of body. He was an avid body-builder and weight-lifter, and remained physically fit for decades. He took pride in his good-looks, and used his charm til the end.



Danny passed away on November 4, 2015, joining his parents Willard & Mayrene, and sisters Linda & Christine. He is survived by loving family - wife of 42 years, Rose, son Gary & partner Daniela, son Kenny & wife Erin, daughter Lisa & partner Conrad, granddaughters Jasmine & Madelynn, and siblings Gary & wife Wilma, Donnie & wife Pam, Patty & husband Kenny, and many beloved half-siblings, cousins, nieces & nephews.



His intelligence, confidence, kindness, wit, & strength will be remembered by those who love him. He will remain in our memories & hearts forever.



A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Friday, November 13, 2015, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601.



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Flowers or tokens may be sent for the service; those who wish to make donations toward funeral costs may do so by contacting White Emerson Mortuary directly.