Emmett Johnson

Obituaries

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 11:14

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Emmett “Red, Cooper, Knob” Melton Johnson, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 84. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with burial following at Macedonia Cemetery.

Melton was born on May 27, 1938 in Macedonia. He graduated from the first graduating class of Scottsboro High in 1957 and joined the United States Army right out of high school with several of his high school buddies. He served proudly for 21 years, participated in the Vietnam War, lived around the world and retired from the United States military in 1977. While stationed in Japan, he met his wife Kiyoko. They married and had three children.

He was very passionate about traveling. Often, you would find him on the road looking for the next best diner, and if you named a landmark anywhere in the U.S., he could tell you the exact mile marker location. After retiring from service, he became a professional truck driver, allowing him to travel the U.S. for work. During vacations, he would continuously venture with his children, and later his grandchildren, hoping to instill in them the same love he had for his country. He always had a curiosity for the world, so much that he was a subscriber to National Geographic. He passed down his love for travel, exploration and curiosity to his family. During his service, he was a platoon sergeant and earned several medals and accolades, including a Bronze Star for his heroism, as well as a sharp shooter designation.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Johnson; son, Franklin (DeeDee) Johnson; grandchildren, Kristen (Morgan) Lockmiller, Emily (John) Truax, Alex Johnson, Taylor hill, Brannigan Johnson; great-grandchildren, Sanders and Mills Morgan Lockmiller; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Mary Johnson; wife, Kiyoko Johnson; daughter, Donna Hill; brothers, Donnie Johnson, Wonnie Johnson.