Ernest Ray Johnson

Mr. Ernest Johnson, 76, of Campbellsville died Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Grandview Nursing and Rehab. 

 Ernest Ray Johnson was born on March 10, 1946 he was the sixth child born to Captola Caldwell Johnson and George T. Johnson. 

 He professed his faith at an early age at the church of the Living God Campbellsville, Kentucky where he served faithfully as a Deacon until his health wouldn’t allow him.

‘Ray‘ received his education at Durham High School and Taylor County High School where he played basketball and was a member of the Taylor County Cross Country Team. He ran in the Cross Country State Competitions in ’65 and ’66. He received his high school diploma after High School.

In 1968 he was drafted to the Vietnam War where he served until 1970.  He was awarded with the Bronze Star for his efforts in the U.S Army.

In 1970 he began working at Ingersoll Rand Compressor company where he retired in 2009. While working there he was certified in welding and electricity. He also worked as a custodian with his wife for 40 years and 37 years respectively at Wood Lawn Christian Church and Farm Credit Service.

He was a faithful worker and thoroughly enjoyed his tenure at Ingersoll-Rand receiving may awards for his attendance and strong work ethics.

 In 1972, he married Letha Williams where he was a devoted husband until his death. In 1978 he became a father of his daughter Melanie Johnson Embry where he took great pride in his fatherhood role. His devotion and faith lead him in his roles of being the best husband and father for his family.

 Ray was a devoted UK fan and enjoyed watching the CATS play basketball every chance he had. He also enjoyed watching track and field and he was a great bowler. Ray also enjoyed outside activities and loved nature and planting flowers with his wife. Ray loved and interacted with whoever he encountered.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Captola Johnson; four brothers, Paul, Oliver, George Henry, Leon and Harold Johnson; a sister, Martha Drye. Three stepsisters, Theresa Coulter, Debra Barnett and Linda Joyce Barnett.

 He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 50 years Letha Johnson of Campbellsville, KY; his daughter, Melanie Embry (Chad); Step grandson, Jae’dyn Embry; Stepmother, Mary Elizabeth Johnson; four brothers, Bobby Johnson (Fannie), Marshall Johnson(Bertha), Jerry Johnson and Lonnie Johnson; a sister, Beatrice Johnson; his uncle, George Caldwell; three Stepbrothers, Jerry Coulter, Gary Coulter, James Clayton (Angie); two Stepsisters, Sandy Atkinson, Mary Clayton; Special sister In-laws, Myrtle Wynn and Eliza Cobb; a brother in-law, James Williams; A host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church Campbellsville with Asst. Bishop Sanford Young officiating. Burial will follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church Campbellsville.

Hayes Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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