Virgil Johnson

Virgil Larry Johnson, 87, passed peacefully from this earth, on June 7th, 2025. He was surrounded by his family. He was ready to meet his Savior & to see his wife of more than 54 years again - Barbara Jean (Cade) Johnson. A proud veteran & devoted family man, Virgil made his home near Lake Ten killer for over 43 years. Virgil enjoyed boating, fishing, & gardening. Virgil & Barbara were also part of the Corvair Club. Side by side, they restored 2 cars beyond their former beauty. They also volunteered at the Caney Ridge Marina for years, enjoyed fishing for crappie & bass. And sharing sweet corn & tomatoes from their huge garden. Virgil was also a longtime member of the Fleet Reserve Association & had many stories of his long US Navy career. Virgil always enjoyed teaching and spent some of his retirement years as an AARP safe driving instructor. He & his faithful dog, Scooby-doo-little spent a lot of time riding on Virgil's Honda Gold Wing trike. Virgil would say: "Come on Scooby, let's go make people smile!"

Born in Shubert, Nebraska on Sept 1st, 1937 to Virgil Lee Johnson & Gladys Irene (Mullins) Johnson. Virgil is one of 8 children & is predeceased by his parents and six siblings: Elaine Imogene Johnson, Donald Eugene Johnson, (infant), Kenneth Lee Johnson, Peggy Jean Johnson, Raymond E Johnson (infant), Dana Maureen Johnson. Also a grandson: Andrew Lee Johnson (infant). Survivors include younger brother, Garry Lynn Johnson (Claudia) his daughters : Cynthia L. Bancroft (Jimmy), Robin R. Kedroske, & son, Virgil Lee Johnson. Virgil has 6 grandchildren: Jimmy Bancroft Jr, Curtis Bancroft, Joseph Bancroft, Natasha Johnson, Samantha Johnson, & Sierra Aguilar. And 10 great-grandchildren (8 girls & 2 boys)! Virgil came from a large midwestern farm family & has many wonderful nieces and nephews as well as great and grand nieces & nephews.

At 17 yrs old, Virgil, then called Larry joined the US Navy, serving his country honorably from 1st the Pacific coast (San Diego CA) to Atlantic coast (Jacksonville FL) where Virgil served as a baptist deacon. Married to Barbara since 1957, the family had many stations including Guantanamo, Cuba. After 24 1/2 years, Virgil retired as FORCE Master Chief NAV AIR LANT in Norfolk, VA.

Virgil Larry does not want us to be sad for him: Trust in God : "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" John 14:27. "My flesh & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalms 73:26.

Virgil's life & service to our country will be honored with military honors at the FT Smith National Cemetery, Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11AM, where Virgil and wife, Barbara Johnson will both be interred.

The family suggests that those wishing to honor Virgil's memory donate to the veteran's organization of your choice. - Cynthia (Johnson) Bancroft