Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Thelma Austin Johnson and James Charles Johnson. He was baptized at Central Methodist Church and grew up in a vibrant, bustling household as one of nine children. Kevin was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his sister Karen, and his brothers Keith and Kerry. He leaves behind his siblings Larry, Patty, Anita, Natalie, and Brian, along with numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A natural leader from a young age, Kevin attended West High School, where he served as Class President and lettered in football. While he loved the gridiron, his true athletic passion ultimately became tennis.

In 1987, Kevin met the love of his life, LaNette. Surviving each other—and every trend—for 39 years, they built a life centered on family and raising their 14-year-old son, Hayden James Charles Johnson, who was Kevin’s greatest pride.

Kevin spent his life as a teacher and mentor. He began his career coaching tennis before transitioning to the corporate world, where he instructed thousands of sales professionals in his signature methods at Colonial Life & Accident and Prudential Life Insurance. Later in life, his classroom shifted to the kitchen and backyard. He became a mentor to family, friends, and anyone eager to learn the art of cooking, smoking meat, making sausage or whatever you had in mind. Kevin was a true Renaissance man, always ready to share his knowledge on any of the thousand things he knew how to do.

He will be forever in our hearts.