Bruce Lee Johnson

Bruce Lee Johnson, 62, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025.

 Bruce was a longtime resident of the MS Gulf Coast and a graduate of Biloxi High School, Class of 1982. He enlisted in the U.S.Army in January of 1985 and completed Basic Training at Ft. McClellan, AL. He completed Advanced Infantry Training and then proceeded to Ft. Bragg where he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course receiving the Green Beret. Bruce also received his Airborne Qualification at the completion of The United States Army Airborne School. In 1993, Bruce joined the United States Air Force Reserves as an Air Force Security Policeman in the 403rd Security Police Squadron. While in the Air Force, Bruce earned a Meritorious Service Medal and an Air Force Achievement Medal. He separated from the Air Force in 1997 with an Honorable Discharge. Bruce attended the Harrison County Police Academy at the USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, MS in 1990 and had a 29 year career as a policeman with the City of Biloxi Police Department. During his time there, Bruce was an instructor, training officer, a member of the Special Response Team, and a shift supervisor. He found his true police calling when he entered the K-9 unit and became a handler to Apollo and Niko. He was subsequently promoted to K-9 Supervisor. He retired as a Captain in 2019 and received the Distinguished Service Medal. Upon retirement, Bruce received a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing April 26 as Captain Bruce Johnson Day. 

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Don Edward Johnson and Diane Lynne Johnson; his sister, Pamela Kay Pugh; and his K-9 partners, Apollo and Niko. 

He is survived by his wife, Juanita (Suzy) Johnson; their children, Emily Claire Johnson Prine (Nathan), and Anthony McLemore Johnson; his beloved mother-in-law, Sandy Reetz; and his faithful dog, Olivia. Bruce is also survived by his sister, Donna Lynne Valestro (Gary); nieces, Sarah Lynne Pugh and Rachel Noelle D’Angelo (Micky); and nephew, Brian Matthew Howard.

 A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS. Friends may visit from 10:00am until service time. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Memorial donations can be made to Victory Worship Center, 8616 Ocean Springs Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. A special thank you to Singing River Health System’s Ocean Springs Hospital for the excellent care delivered to Bruce and compassion given to his family.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Bruce Lee Johnson.