Obituary of Kenis Ray Johnson

Kenis Ray Johnson,

Age 83, died peacefully November 5, 2019, at 8:00 pm in his home in Gray, Tennessee, surrounded by his wife and children after a long struggle with Fragile X Ataxia Syndrome.  

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 59 ½ years Thelma; his children: Joan and Doug Knotts, Cynthia and Bill Geisel, and Brian and Sandy Johnson; his grandchildren: Whitney and Edward Ledbetter, Nathan and Halyse Geisel, David and Radonna Kite, David and Molly Johnson, Andrew Geisel, Daniel Geisel, Joshua and Elizabeth Johnson, Benjamin Geisel and Adam Johnson; his great grandchildren: Conner Ledbetter, Ethan Ledbetter, Mason Johnson, Kade Kite, Simon Geisel, Ezra Johnson and Liam Geisel; his brother Thomas and June Johnson, his sister Ann and Don Little; and a large extended family that loved him very much.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings. 

Ken was born October 10, 1936, in Pike County Kentucky, to Alonzo and Sylvia Johnson of Lookout Kentucky.  He proudly served three years in the United States Military, 293 Engineers, Army Division. He loved his wife deeply, his children unconditionally and found great delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Ken is described by Matt 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” He quietly lived God’s Word and sought to “Love the LORD thy God”, to love his neighbors and, to apply the commandment Jesus gave his disciples which is to love and serve one another.  His example will continue to be a legacy to us all as we remember his character and the life he lived.  Kenis Johnson has touched many people who will miss him greatly. 

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday November 10, 2019 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow with Rev. Bill Geisel officiating.

A military graveside service will be conducted at 2pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with his grandsons serving as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Emory University, Memo: Human Genetics' Fragile X Program. Checks may be mailed to Christi Bell, Sr. Administrative Assistant to Chair, Dept. of Human Genetics, 615 Michael Street, Suite 301, Whitehead Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30322.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown Kingsport is serving the Johnson family.