Ronald Jeffery Johnson, affectionately known as Ronnie, was born on December 3, 1950, in New York, NY to the late George Shelton and Jarvis Edwards. He was raised in Birmingham, AL by his adoptive parents, the late John and Laura Johnson. Ronnie attended A.H. Parker High School and graduated in 1968. After graduation, he decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy and served actively for four years. He then transitioned to the U.S. Navy Reserve for an additional ten years until retirement. While serving in the Reserve, he attended The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in December 1977. While at UAB, he pledged the Iota Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As an active member serving in various leadership positions, he was elected as the third President of the chapter in 1976. Ronnie worked at PEMCO Aeroplex as an Airplane Inspector for thirty-three years until his retirement.
Ronnie was an outgoing person who never met a stranger. He loved people, was very outspoken and had a great sense of humor. Some would say he reminded them of George Jefferson from The Jeffersons and Fred Sanford from Sanford and Son. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved his dogs and enjoyed breeding them. He truly enjoyed life by marching to the beat of his own drum and having fun. He always said he wanted to live his life the way he wanted to, and he did.
Ronnie made his earthly transition on February 24, 2023, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Shelton and Jarvis Edwards; adoptive parents, John and Laura Johnson; sister, Barbara Davis; former spouse, Minnie Johnson; and his oldest daughter, Unjanetta King. He leaves to cherish his memory: four children, Lasima J. Duncan (James), Ronnetta Johnson-Stump (John), Martine Johnson (Frederick Hollis), and Dujuan Johnson (Shawn). Eleven grandchildren, Rashad Bell, Morgan Stump, James T. Duncan III, India Stewart, Jamarcus Duncan, Dierien Johnson, Blaze Stump, Cherish Johnson, London Johnson, McKinley Johnson, and Jaziah Duncan. Seven great-grandchildren; a former spouse, Antoinette Peoples-Washington; brother, Samuel Meadors and several sisters and brothers; a special aunt, Charlie Mae Gilliam; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Jeffery Johnson, please visit our floral store.