Robert E. Johnson

Robert E. Johnson, born September 5, 1942, in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, lived a life built on hard work, generosity, and a gift for fixing the things others could not.

Robert became a skilled diesel mechanic and dedicated his life to marine engines, diesel engines, boats, and the kind of hands-on work that required patience, knowledge, and grit. In 1970, he founded Johnson Diesel, a business that became far more than a shop. It became a place where people knew they could find honest work, dependable help, and a man who believed in giving others a chance. Today, his children, David Johnson and Reachel Williams, proudly carry on that legacy by running Johnson Diesel, continuing the work their father started more than five decades ago.

Robert was married to his beloved wife, Glenda B. Johnson, and together they built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and perseverance. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family was one of the greatest joys of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Johnson; his children, David Johnson (Trudi), Reachel Williams (CN), Tiffany Hodge (Mike), and Leslie Gollott (Wally); and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His grandchildren include Garrett Johnson (Alexandra), Grant Johnson (Sara), Jordan Bennett (Tiffany), Bayley Sanders (Colton), and Carley Campbell (JD), Wendy Porter (Kyle), Laurel Gordon (Landyn), Gatlin Grace Tynes, Drae Mitchell, Dalton Mitchell, Alyssa Young (Bruce), Ashleigh Beck (John), and Lacie Gollott (Douglas).

His great-grandchildren include Slade Sanders, Stella Sanders, Abigail Johnson, Myles Boyte, Olivia Porter, Gia Grace Gordon, Levi Mitchell, Wesley Mitchell, Raye Mitchell, Carter Barton, Hadleigh Barton, Amelia Beck, and Freya Cowell.

Robert loved working on boats and bringing them back to life. He had a special talent for rebuilding and restoring antique vehicles, seeing possibility where others saw rust, age, or broken parts. Whether it was a marine engine, an old vehicle, or a boat in need of repair, Robert had the skill, determination, and steady hands to make it run again.

He will be remembered not only for what he built, but for how he treated people. Robert loved helping his family, his friends, and anyone who needed a hand. He was known for giving people jobs, offering guidance, and helping loved ones through both big and small moments. His generosity was practical and real; shown through his time, his labor, his advice, and his willingness to show up when people needed him.

Robert also loved his beloved dog, Sadie Mae, who held a special place in his heart.

Those who knew Robert will remember his strong work ethic, his mechanical mind, his loyalty to family, and his willingness to help others. He was a man who worked with his hands, led with quiet strength, and left behind a legacy that will continue through his family, his business, and the countless lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit from 9:30 am to 11 am. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.

Robert E. Johnson will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert E. Johnson.