Robert Lynn Johnson

Robert Lynn Johnson was born on June 3, 1941 in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.  He was the second of three sons and preceded in death by his father, Aubrey J. Johnson, his mother, Velma Christine Johnson, his 

two sons, Robbie and Dale Hanie, his two grandsons, Matthew Robert Hanie and Matthew Robert Tilley and the love of his life, his wife, Orbie Gale.

He is survived by his daughter, Tandie Tilley and son-in-law, Kevin Tilley of Greenville, Texas, his sons Tommie Johnson of New Mexico and son, Stephen Hanie and his wife, Frances of Semi Valley, California.  Robert is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephen and his wife, Angie Johnson of Waxahachie, Texas, Kris Tilley of Greenville, Texas,  Sarah Hanie and David Hanie of Semi Valley,California.  Robert is also survived by two brothers, Aubrey C. Johnson of Longview, Texas and Michael D. Johnson of Branson, Missouri, along with many nephews and nieces.

Robert accepted salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ while attending Long Creek Baptist Church in Sunnyvale, Texas.  He later toured on weekends with the music group, “The Gospel Messengers.” Robert also enjoyed working with his hands and had a very creative mind. If it could be done, he would figure out a way to do it. You might also say that Robert was the Indiana Jones of the Johnson family and led a pretty adventurous and diverse life as far as his career choices. He flew airplanes and helicopters as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He became a master licensed plumber, carpenter and electrician. Early on in life, he owned Johnson Plumbing Company in Mt. Pleasant, Texas and eventually partnered with his brother, Michael, in creating the first local television station in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. 

Deep down, Robert loved helping people...eventually, walking away from video production to serve the people of Titus County as Deputy Sheriff from 1984 to 1991. He loved being in law enforcement. The 

Sheriff of Titus County once told Robert that “he was not sure he could afford him because he had already crashed 4 squad cars in high-speed pursuits, but at least he always got his man every time.” He briefly served as an officer in Ellis County, Texas and completed his law enforcement career in Dallas County serving from 1991 to 2006.  Robert Johnson served 21 years in law enforcement.

As a side note, once while in retirement, Robert was in line purchasing an item at the Home Depot Store. As he approached the register, the Home Depot employee asked him if he was retired military.  Roberts response was, “No m'aam, I am retired law enforcement.” The clerk responded by saying, “We only give discounts to retired military.”  Robert responded to the clerk, ”Ma'am, I did not ask for a discount...but...remember this...the next time someone comes into this store and sticks a gun in your face…you call the Vets and see how fast they respond.”  The people in line behind Robert actually applauded. That was Robert Johnson.

He was never bored. During retirement, he and his wife Gale traveled, enjoying their time together and living life. Sadly, he lost his precious wife, Gale, a few years later. He was devastated and more than lost without her but was strengthened through the support of his daughter, Tandie and her family.  In 2019, his brother, Michael, a producer of film and video productions partnered with Robert to work side by side in telling the story of their experiences growing up in a more simple time where they imagined life as their playground for all sorts of adventures. The three brothers lived and played life to the fullest as told in the film, “My Mothers Sons.”  Robert became Executive Producer and he was there for every recorded scene in Branson, Missouri until the recent pandemic, where travel became limited. The unfinished film will be completed in 2020 in his honor.

Robert Johnson had an amazing sense of humor and his laugh was infectious. He was funny and was a wonderful storyteller. Robert was also an incredible and beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed, dearly. Robert Lynn Johnson passed away August 29, 2020.