Walter Hugh Johnson

Walter Hugh Johnson, 74, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away October 11, 2006. Visitation will be held at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2006. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2006, at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas. The burial willfollow in Pecan Gap Cemetery in Pecan Gap, Texas. Born to Harvena Lee and Clayton Bowen Johnson on January 21, 1932, in Klondike, Texas. Preceded in death by parents, Harvena Lee and Clayton Bowen Johnson, son, Douglas Lynn Johnson, and granddaughter, Shawna Lee Ann Johnson. He is survived by wife, Joyce Mae Johnson of Dallas, Texas, sisters: Lola Nell Coker of Powderly, Texas and Susie Catherine Gill and husband C.L. of De Sota, Texas; children: Brenda Lee Gerold and husband Neil of Mesquite, Texas, Clayton Walter Johnson and wife Lisa of Mesquite, Texas, Donna Joyce Abraham and husband, Jack of Euless, Texas, daughter-in-law Brenda Kay Johnson of Mesquite, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He had 8 grandchildren: Brian Donald Abraham and wife Natasha of Justin, Texas, Shannon Leigh Abraham of Hurst, Texas, Lindsey Dyan Feliciano and husband Cano of Keller, Texas, Craig John Gerold and wife Kendra of Forney, Texas, Kevin John Gerold of Mesquite, Texas, Douglas Lynn Johnson II and wife Stacy of Dallas, Texas, Clayton Walter Johnson of Mesquite, Texas, Brian Clayton Johnson of Mesquite, Texas and four great-grandchildren: Taylor Paige Abraham of Justin, Texas, Preston Nicholas Gerold of Forney, Texas, Kaylie Lee Ann Johnson and Destiny Ray Lynn Johnson of Dallas, Texas. Many were touched by his compassion and unique sense of humor. He often amused family and friends with his freight train whistle. He enjoyed playing many musical instruments, especially the guitar, singing, dancing, fishing and most of all spending time with family. He proudly served in the US Army. He was a deacon and member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.In his career as a welder, he had worked for Ford Motor Company, Murray Gin Company and Holman Boiler Works, retiring from Holman Boiler Works with 20 years of service in 1993. His family would like to thank the caregivers and friends who made the last few weeks of life dignified and comfortable. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association.