November 12, 1958 – March 11, 2026
Michael Lee Johnson passed peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by love after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.
MJ was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 12, 1958, and grew up in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he attended high school. He later earned an associate’s degree in Electronic Technology at RETS Electronics Institute, Louisville KY., and went on to build a long and successful career as an electronics engineer. For 25 years he worked at Nortel Networks in Nashville, where his sharp mind, problem-solving skills and endless curiosity about developing technology were valued by colleagues and friends alike.
In 2011, MJ met the love of his life, Kristl “KC”. Their relationship began across the miles and grew through seven years of long-distance devotion before they married in 2018. They shared a love of poetry, creativity, nature, and quiet early morning hours together. Their home and gardens in Manchester became a reflection of the life they built side by side. Theirs was a love story marked by deep friendship, faith, and unwavering devotion. KC and MJ often spoke of the eternity they would share beyond this life, a hope that brought them comfort and peace.
MJ had a curious and creative spirit. He loved music, art, photography, poetry, electronics and gadgets of every kind. He was fascinated by the planets and stars and enjoyed studying the night sky. He also loved boats and motorcycles and had an engineer’s gift for fixing things–once he set his mind to something, he could repair almost anything. He loved hiking, camping and being on the water. Above all, MJ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He especially cherished the time he had with his granddaughter Rebel.
MJ is survived by his loving wife: Kristl Maureen Costain “KC” Johnson, daughters: Kristi Lea Ward (David), Mindy Johnson Gober (Eli), their mother: Janette Johnson, granddaughter: Rebel Paige Gober, brothers: Roger Dale Johnson, Jimmy “Ray” Johnson (Kathy), sister: Patricia Ann Green, and aunt: Louise “Sis” Rediker. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Jennifer Reeves (Jared), Abby Montgomery, Bella Montgomery, Jeremy Johnson (Alicia), Jakob Johnson (Emma), Mason Johnson, Leah Hargrove (Josh), Briella Hargrove, Katrina Johson Brady (Daniel), Aksel Brady, Allie Brady, Aeryn Brady, Haley Carter (Demar), Maven Carter, and Madelyn Carter- to name a few. There are so many more nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, and connections from the past 67 years. He is preceded in death by both his parents: James Johnson Jr (2004), Ann Johnson (2025), and sister-in-law Judy Johnson (2017), he is also preceded in death by two nieces: Makayla and Shanna, a nephew: Jude.
A service celebrating MJ’s life will be held at First Baptist Church, 1006 Hillsboro Blvd., Manchester, Tennessee, on March 21, at 11 AM
MJ will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.
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