Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson

May 16, 1946 ~ May 10, 2021 (age 74)
 
On Monday, May 10, 2021, Anthony “Buck” Johnson, beloved brother, father and grandfather, departed this life at the age of 74 in Bolivar, Tennessee.
Anthony was born on May 16, 1946, to Wentha Lee and Jessie Mae (Mitchell) Johnson in Whiteville, Tennessee.

He attended Clover Garden Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (Whiteville, TN) as a child and later joined United Faith Missionary Baptist Church (Rockford, IL), where he
was baptized. Anthony attended Allen White High School until 1966, when he was drafted into the United States Army.   Anthony served in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers during his tour in Vietnam, which ended in 1968. After he returned home to Tennessee, Anthony married his childhood sweetheart Kathy (Murphy) and relocated to Rockford, IL.  Their union created one child, Cedric.

Throughout his life, Anthony was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast. He had a car repair shop in the backyard of his home in Rockford and sharpened his racing skills at the Speedway in Byron, IL. He was a long- time employee at the metal factory Gunite, Kelsey Hayes Corporation, until his retirement in the late 1990's.

During his time in Vietnam, he completed specialized training as a Roadway Construction Engineer, focusing on demolitions and infrastructure support. While serving his
country, he earned the following honors: National Defense Service Medal – a U.S. Department of Defense medal for active-duty military services during war time, or times of national emergency. Bronze Service Star Medal – a U.S. Department of Defense government medal for exemplary service to his Country, in wartime, during the Vietnam war.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal – Granted by the Republic of Vietnam to U.S. Army personnel who served six months or more in support of their military campaign between 1961 and 1973.  

Servicemen awards for: Sharpshooter (Rifle) Marksman (Pistol)

Anthony is predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents, mother, father, brother in-law Robert (Bob) Johnson and special friend, Juanita. He is survived by his aunt Lillie Sue, brothers Dennis (Helen), Clint, Lansing, Murriel (Tonya), Wentha “Ray” (Yvette) and Michael; sisters Delorce, Angela, Jennifer, Joyce (Reaker), Wanda, Stephanie, Michelle and Betty; sons Cedric and Daniel, granddaughters Shabria and Shiquiah and three great- grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He will be put to rest at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Old Parkers Cross Road, in Lexington, Tennessee.

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