David Carl Johnson's Obituary
David Carl Johnson, age 70, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Collierville, Tennessee.
David was born on December 15, 1955, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to Kermit and Violet Johnson. Raised in Lynn Haven, Florida, he graduated from Bay High School in 1973 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida in 1978. He later continued his studies in faith and theology, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Theology.
In 1978, David met Pam, and the two were married the following year in Lynn Haven, Florida. From the beginning, their marriage was marked by an uncommon devotion. David adored Pam, and his love for her was evident to everyone who knew them. It could be seen in the way he spoke of her, cared for her, and especially in the way he looked at her. Their life together carried them through Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. Across those years, David built a 33-year career with International Paper and served faithfully in each community he called home.
David was a man of quiet conviction, deep faith, and steady integrity. He served as an administrative elder at Christ Community Baptist Church and as a poll official, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and mentor to generations of young people. His commitment to Scouting spanned 55 years. An Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member, and Silver Beaver Award recipient, David devoted much of his life to training, guiding, and influencing young men. He loved fishing, coin collecting, long-distance cycling, time with his grandchildren, and the quiet satisfaction of serving others well.
Those who knew David will remember him as a deep thinker who did not speak loudly or often, but whose words carried weight when he chose to speak. He lived with a strong sense of justice, a clear understanding of right and wrong, and a servant’s heart shaped by his faith. His life reflected the truth of John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
David is survived by his beloved wife, Pam; his sons, Colin and wife Katie, and Ben and wife Jenny; his six grandchildren, Bethany, Brianna, Bella, Eric, Nate, and Aiden; and his brother, Jay and wife Ann. His family will remember him as a faithful husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal brother, trusted mentor, and servant leader whose life spoke with quiet strength.
A visitation will be held at 3:00pm with a memorial service at 4:00pm, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Christ Community Baptist Church in Collierville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Baptist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.
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