Gene Bradley (Sonny) Johnson

Memoriam

Gene Bradley (Sonny) Johnson, age 78 and a native of Cleveland, Mr. Johnson passed away Sunday, January 18, in the year of our Lord 2015. Before his passing in a Chattanooga hospital, he retired from Cleveland Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Johnston Coca-Cola Bottling Company after 30+ years of service. He served 6 years in the United States Army reserves as a sergeant.

He attended Bradley and Baylor High Schools and after retiring from the Coca-Cola Company, he and his wife owned Johnson’s Collectibles. They were avid collectors and historians. Sonny enjoyed collecting and “horse trading” coins, stamps, baseball cards, Ford parts, peddle cars, lunch boxes; just to name a few. Johnson’s Collectibles was a gathering place of many friends and family. It was a common sight to drive down Lee Highway and see Sonny sitting outside his shop relaxing in the sun and talking with friends. He was a former Scout Master of PAC 3044 at Wesley United Methodist Church. He also coached little league football and baseball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Nell Johnson and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Mee; and also his brother-in-law, Oscar Davis.

Sonny’s first love was his family… Survivors include his wife of 57 years Jean Johnson; daughter Donna (DJ) Kimmel and husband Dann Kimmel; son Gene B. (Brad) Johnson, III and wife Suzie Johnson; sister, Peggy M. Davis: brother (Ret) LTC Thomas (Tommy) M. Johnson and wife Tink Johnson. His grandchildren include Thomas B. Rogers and wife Shawnel Rogers; Larry E (Eddie) Guinn, II; Dustin A. Johnson and Sydney I. Johnson.

His great grandchildren include Julian, Jada, Ava and Thomas Rogers, II. Sonny’s nieces and nephews include, Mr. and Mrs. John Davis, Dr. and Mrs. David Neall, Mr. and Mrs. Locke Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Hampton, Tina Hampton, Sherry Hampton, Brenda Hampton, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hampton, Rhonda Hampton and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hampton. He had many great nieces and nephews and loved them all.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home will provide visitation for family and friends Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Mickey Mallory, LTC Thomas M. Johnson, and Boyd Coleman. There will be a graveside service immediately following at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Thomas Rogers, Eddie Guinn, John Davis, Locke Davis, Dann Kimmel and Dr. David Neall. Honorary pallbears will be Boyd Coleman, (Ret) LTC Thomas M. Johnson and Brad Johnson.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 3405 Peerless Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.