Obituary

Wilfred Ronald Johnson

August 4, 1942 - July 11, 2025

Wilfred Ronald “Ronnie” Johnson, age 82 and of Abita Springs, Louisiana died on July 11, 2025, in Covington, LA following a brief illness.

Ronnie was born on August 4, 1942, the oldest son of Dorothy Wigley Johnson and Wilfred Riley “Deck” Johnson, and elder brother to Stephen Derek Johnson, who arrived five years later. He grew up in Durant, Mississippi and married his wife of fifty-six years, Mary Ellis Wilkes Johnson, on August 6,1961 at the age of nineteen. Ronnie and Mary Ellis ventured to Starkville together where they both completed their college education, obtaining degrees at Mississippi State University. Following graduation, they lived briefly in Huntsville, AL where their only daughter Julie was born. They later relocated to Pascagoula, MS where they resided for over forty-six years. In October 2017, they moved to Abita Springs, LA to be near Julie and her family.

Ronnie was a dedicated government auditor who served with the Defense Contract Audit Agency for forty years. Throughout his career, he contributed to a wide range of federal projects, including key engagements with NASA in Huntsville, AL and Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ronnie was a devoted husband and father whose joy in life reached new heights in 1996 when he became a grandfather. He took absolute delight in caring for and spending time with his beloved grandchildren ~ Hayes, Mary Margaret, and Owen ~ cherishing every moment shared with them. He was also a faithful brother, whose love and admiration for his younger brother Derek remained steadfast throughout his life.

Ronnie had a fondness for television and over the years, he found joy in programs like the CSI franchise, Deadliest Catch and The Incredible Dr. Pol. He was an avid solitaire player and a devoted follower of the evening news ~ rarely missing a broadcast which he faithfully paired with reading the newspaper, making it a cherished nightly ritual. He took pride in rooting for his Mississippi State Bulldogs, though he often joked that watching the game live might somehow jinx their chances of winning the game.

He is survived by his daughter Julia Elizabeth Johnson Hayden, son-in-law Horace Adna “Hap” Hayden III and three grandchildren Horace Adna “Hayes” Hayden IV, Mary Margaret Hayden, and Wilfred Owen Hayden. He leaves behind his brother Stephen Derek Johnson (Judy) of Byram, MS, sister-in-law Margaret Elizabeth Wilkes of Gulfport, MS and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellis Wilkes Johnson, his parents Wilfred Riley “Deck” Johnson and Dorothy Wigley Johnson of Possumneck, MS, his in-laws Mary Belle and Henry Clay Wilkes, Sr. of West, MS, sister-in-law Fenton Jeanette Richey of Nashville, TN, and brother-in-law Henry Clay Wilkes, Jr. (Sue) of Columbus, MS.

A graveside service will be held for the family at Mizpah Cemetery in Durant, MS on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 with Reverend Grant McElveen officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA and Southern Funeral Home in Lexington, MS are both handling the arrangements.