Bobby Ray Johnson

(September 14, 1931 ~ July 19, 2016)

Bobby Ray “Bob” Johnson, 84, of Early, passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2016.

He was born in Taylor County at home to Clyde Johnson and Flossie Johnson Smith in Taylor County on Sept. 14, 1931. He grew up in the Tuscola/Ovala area and attended Rogers and Jim Ned Schools. He started running a crane when he was 17 years old and had been in construction his entire life. Some major projects he worked on include Dyess Air Force Base, Winters freeway and Lake Fort Phantom Hill Pump Station. He also worked on numerous bridges, including the widening of the Pecan Bayou Bridge and also the highway from the circle in Brownwood to Early in 1949. He was a member of the Operating Engineer Union since 1959. He was an avid mechanic and could fix or make about anything. He worked tirelessly until the end of his life.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Johnson; a daughter, Kathy Johnson; and his parents.

Survivors include sisters, Lotsie Marshall of Abilene and Ginger Faircloth of Eula; and two children, Brock Johnson of Early and Debbie Treadaway of Crane. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Jesse Treadaway, TJ Treadaway, Petey Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Amada Gowin, Thomas Johnson, Tiffany Miller, Amy Smith and Aurelia Johnson. He also has 12 great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Johnson is buried in Early at the Salt Creek Cemetery.