Harry Thomas Johnson

September 19, 1930 - December 20, 2021

Harry Thomas Johnson, age 91, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on December 20th, 2021. He was born September 19th, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Central High School and honorably served in the U.S. Army as a Ballistic Meteorologist. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and worked as a Pharmacist for 41 years before retiring from Key Rexall/Super D in 1995. During retirement and for many years, Harry was a member of the band “Reel McCoy” which played regularly at Celtic Crossing. He played the harmonica, the bodhran Irish drum, the bones, and his home made “jingle sticks” which he regularly invited patrons to play, especially children. One of the highlights of his retirement years was a memorable trip with his entire family to western Ireland. His other hobbies included collecting and carving walking sticks and canes, recording music with his sons, and watching and feeding the variety of songbirds that frequent his backyard. His most cherished moments were spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Virginia Ann, and leaves behind five children; Tom Johnson (Patty), Russell Johnson (Lex), Rebecca Kosmitis (David), Cynthia Haynes (John), and Bill Johnson. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Jane Barton, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Smith. He was a member of Oliver Creek Church of Christ. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Oliver Creek Church of Christ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, on Wednesday December 29th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM followed by the service at 2:00 PM.