William Ray Johnson

William Ray Johnson, age 75, husband of Karen Johnson, and a resident of Culleoka, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at his residence.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 3:30 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Mike Dawson and Michael Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army. A visitation will also be held on Sunday, from 12:00 – 3:30 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on October 26, 1947, in Maury County, Ray was the son of the late Edward Johnson and the late Ruth Hobbs Johnson. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served three tours in Vietnam and one tour in Germany. During the thirteen years he was in the military, he earned numerous awards and medals, and while in Germany, loved to call square dancing. He married Karen Johnson on August 1, 1987, and from 2003-2009, they owned the Lamplighter Inn in Columbia. His greatest hobby was playing cards; he also enjoyed golfing and bowling. Ray was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Charlie Johnson of Georgia, Daniel (Lorie) Johnson of Chattanooga, step daughter, Brandy (Bruce) Cheatham of Columbia, brother, Ricky Johnson, sisters in law, Bonnie Johnson, Doris Johnson, grandchildren, Megan Johnson, Lauren Carder, Jonah (Abby) Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Marley Johnson, Cullen Cheatham, Kannon Cheatham, four great grandchildren, one great grandchild on the way, dear friend, Carol Gray, and Goddaughter, Jayda Couch.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Johnson, Larry Johnson, and sister, Kay Hamlett.

Pallbearers will be Darran Cates, Mike Hardison, Billy Johnson, Chris Couch, Kannon Cheatham, Marley Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Chris Dye, and Jonathan Dye. Honorary pallbearers will include the Gary Beatty Sunday School Class and members of the Friendship House.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Hospice Compassus for their care and compassion for Ray during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in Ray’s memory.