Gary Johnson Obituary

Gary Michael Johnson

April 18, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Gary Michael Johnson, aged 83, entered Heaven's gates on April 18th, 2025 at the Veteran's Administration Mountain Home Community Life Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Mr. Johnson was a native of Carter County, Tennessee, and the son of the late Herbert and Mary Baines Johnson.

He retired as a Sergeant First Class from the United States Army. He left home at the young age of seventeen to begin what would be an illustrious military career. Rising steadily through the ranks, he served with honor and distinction in multiple international assignments. A highlight of his twenty-three-year career was his participation in the Third Armored Division's month-long winter training exercises in Grafenwöhr, Germany. Known as "The Spearhead" for its role in the Normandy campaign and beyond, the Division's rigorous training emphasized cold-weather operations, tactical mobility, and preparedness for chemical, biological, and radiological warfare. He also trained in weapons proficiency, including range firing and the operation of team-served weapons such as the M-60 machine gun and 105mm and 120mm tank guns.

Sergeant Johnson was one of eleven service members selected to represent the Army in honor of the USO's 26th birthday celebration at a four-day fair in Tokyo. He was also named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month for the Seventh Infantry Division in Korea on October 7th, 1966. He was chosen for his soldierly appearance, knowledge and performance of duties, and military courtesy. He had the highest score of the twelve participating staff sergeants on tests administered by the division G3 section.

He was assigned as a tank commander with the Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star, which commends heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

He is survived by his eldest daughter and son-in-law, Vivian and Ed Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee; and two sons and a daughter-in-law, Sidney Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama and Hunter and Amanda Johnson, also of Huntsville. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Johnson of Hampton, Tennessee; his sister, Judy Goodwin of Elizabethton, Tennessee; and three granddaughters, Lillian and Katelyn Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee and Brooklyn Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama.

A graveside service will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Glen Layfield officiating. Pallbearers are Ed Johnson, Sidney Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Glen Layfield and Matt Cornett. Military Honors will be rendered by Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities.

A visitation will be held prior to the graveside service in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 is honored to be serving the Johnson Family.