Richard "Rick" Johnson

In the early morning hours of August 9th, 2022, as the sun was barely a glimpse in the eastern horizon, US Navy Vietnam Veteran, Richard Andrew Johnson, went to his final home and picked out his eternal fishing spot. 

Richard (known as Rick) was born September 13th, 1950 in Clearwater Florida to his parents Shirley Louise Hudgins of Memphis Tennessee and Williams S. Johnson of Lakeland Florida. Being born a native to the gulf coast, Rick possessed a love of fishing from an early age. He maintained this passion throughout his life. Not only an avid fisherman, he was an accomplished gardener, cook and model railroader. One could say that Rick's eyes were always bigger than his stomach because he would always plant more crops than needed and was adamant in keeping the pantry and freezer stocked full of food, which both are to this day. 

His love for trains (Model Railroads) came about in his early 30’s and his collection is very extensive. Rick was very articulate in the construction of old dated structures dating back to the late 1800’s, all of which were constructed by hand and from scratch. His love for history is reflected in all of his buildings. He always thought he was born 100 years too late and his talent and attention to detail, impressive. 

Rick served 3 years in the United States Navy from June of 1973 to October 1976 on the U.S.S. Dennis J. Buckley {DD 808} 

Rick also had a love for animals, especially dogs and over the past few years took an interest in helping his wife feed the birds in their backyard sanctuary. During winter months, like his determination to keep his family well fed, Rick was adamant about making peanut butter cakes for the birds to help them stay fed and warm on cold winter nights. 

Throughout his working years, Rick was in many facets of the construction industry. He was skilled in sheet metal, stucco and retired as a journeyman's electrician. His wife has mentioned while they would be driving through San Angelo, Rick would see and reminisce on many of the projects, residential and commercial that he was a part of building. Helen, his wife, states that Rick has left his construction legacy sprinkled throughout the community. From Goodfellow AFB to Angelo State University and everything in between, Helen see’s Rick's handprint around every corner. 

Anyone who knew Rick, ultimately knew he was a man of very few words. He didn’t see the need for many and when he did speak you listened, simply because it did not happen very often. 

Rick is preceded in death by his mother Shirley, his grandparents Kate & Marvin Johnson, and the untimely death of his brother Donald Allen Johnson, on August 21, 2022, 12 days after Rick’s own passing. 

He is survived by his wife Helen Louise Johnson, daughter Sara Michelle Johnson, both of San Angelo. His father Williams S. Johnson, sister Linda Anne Johnson Dallo, brother William Samuel Johnson Jr. (Billy) all of Florida, nieces Angie Ross Sheridan, Laura Ross. Nephews Trevor Johnson, Shawn Johnson, Shane Johnson and Chad Ross and many cousins. 
Services for Rick will be September 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Fairmount Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas @www.VADogs.org. 

Graveside

Saturday, September 03, 2022

11:00AM

Fairmount Cemetery 
1120 W. Ave. N 
San Angelo, TX 76901