Rayburn “Ray” L. Johnson, passed away on Dec. 31, 2025, after a long battle with diabetes. Ray was born in Manila, Ark., on Sept. 28, 1950, to Ruben and Ruby Johnson.
Ray was a 1968 graduate from Nashville High School, in Nashville, Ark. He got his first 8-to-5 job from Mr. Bernie Kreul at Western Auto on Main Street in Nashville. Ray’s work as a licensed electrician took him to many different places in the USA but he loved his family with all his heart and enjoyed coming home to Murfreesboro for family get-togethers.
He was preceded in death by both parents; two sisters, Berniece Rogers of Lake Forest, Calif., and Inell Brewer of Kirby, Ark.; two brothers, Walter Johnson of Lake Forest, Calif., and Al Thomas (Joe) Johnson of Nash, Texas; his step-father, Hearl Walls and step-brother, Raymond Walls of Murfreesboro, Ark.
He is survived by two sisters, Edith Witt of Kennesaw, Ga., and Deronda Daniel of Barling, Ark., as well as a daughter, Samantha Couch and granddaughter Sarah Couch of Huntsville, Texas. He was blessed with several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins.
Ray was a strong believer in the Lord and was always prepared to minister the words of God whenever the opportunity arose.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Academy Cemetery in Nathan, Ark., with Pastor Joe Kelly officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation for maintenance of the cemetery. Checks can be made to Academy Cemetery, c/o Gary Cox, 27 Bacon Creek Farm Rd., Nashville, AR 71852.
Online at brothertonbrothersfuneralhome.com.
