Robert Ray Johnson

Bob Johnson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died on December 25, 2007 at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Johnson in 1972 and his mother, Flora Johnson in 1999. He was born in Merkel, Texas on August 20, 1934. After spending his childhood years in Merkel and graduating from Merkel High School, he moved to Pampa, Texas where he married Wanda Patterson in 1958. While in Pampa, Bob was a deacon at the First Baptist Church and was active in the Texas Church Builders Program. He was president of the Pampa Optimist Club for several years and founded the first Tiger football League in Pampa. He also coached Babe Ruth baseball for over 20 years. He retired from the Celanese Corporation in 1996. In 1996, he moved to Abilene, Texas. He was a deacon at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene and was active in the Texas Church Builders Program. He was a member of the Nehemiah and Widows Ministries. Bob is survived by his wife of 49 ½ years, Wanda Johnson, two sons; Denny Johnson and wife, Vanessa of Amarillo, Joe Johnson and wife, Sharrise of Littlefield, one sister; Carol Ann McClaren and husband, Steve of Enid Oklahoma, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church on Friday, December 28 at 10:00 am. Visitation has been scheduled for Thursday, December 27th from 6 to 8 pm at The Hamil Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorials may be sent to: Pioneer Dr. Baptist Church Mission Department at 701 S. Pioneer in Abilene, Texas 79605.