J.R. Johnson

J.R. Johnson, 68, of Jonesboro, died on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at the Phil & Flo Jones Hospice House. He was born on Nov. 24, 1944 in Viola, Arkansas to Elige Johnson and Carrie Pope Johnson Kerley.

He graduated from ASU with a BA in Accounting, and served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970. In 1976, he founded The Storehouse in Jonesboro, following a vision to provide Christian products to the northeast Arkansas area. Later, he added the only locally owned and operated office supply store in Jonesboro.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over 30 years and was an active volunteer with the award-winning TV 15 television ministry. He originated shows including Partners in Christ and the weekly High School Game of the Week. He was recently presented a plaque of appreciation by Valley View and Nettleton schools for his many years of bringing local high school football and basketball games to the area through TV 15.

In addition, he served as treasurer of the Mt. Zion Baptist Association for over 15 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Abigail Grace Johnson. He leaves his wife, Tronnia Brazier Johnson, of the home, sons Robbie (Stacey) Johnson of Jonesboro and Kyle (Caron) Johnson of Spring Hill, TN and grandchildren Nathan, Stephen, Betsy, and Molly Cate Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at Central Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. with Mike Martin and John Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 17, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Serving as pallbearers will be Norman Dickson, Harvey Huffstetler, Carl Looney, Dwain Lutrell, Steve Skinner, and Charlie Stewart.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Association Children’s Camp, P.O. Box 2515, Jonesboro, AR 72402 or to HopeCircle of NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, 1835 Grant Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401.