Frederick William “Fred” Johnson Jr

Frederick William “Fred” Johnson Jr., age 82 of Ridgeland, MS passed away peacefully January 16, 2024 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

He was born March 11th, 1941, in Jackson, MS. Fred grew up in Jackson, MS where he graduated from Murrah High School. Following graduation, he attended Georgia Tech where he graduated in 1963 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Management. 

Fred was active in ROTC and received his commission into the Army September 25th, 1963. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne. Fred received the prestigious Bronze Star and Silver Star for his gallantry in combat in 1966. He was honorably discharged in 1968. 

Following his military service, he moved his young family to Oxford, MS where he earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi. Fred practiced law for many years. He and Sam lived in Ridgeland, MS for the remainder of his life. 

Fred was a founding member of Snake Creek Duck Club along with his dear friends Paul Hopping and Henry Shotts. He later hunted as a member of Delta Marsh. 

Fred is survived by his wife Lynne “Sam” Fortenberry Johnson of Ridgeland, MS; his sons, Frederick William Johnson III (Tripp) and Robert Todd Johnson of Clarksville, TN. Also his four grandchildren, Wade Johnson of New Orleans, LA, Hollis Johnson of New Orleans, LA, Zach Johnson of Clarksville, TN and Nathan Johnson of Clarksville, TN. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred W Johnson Sr. and Edna Earle Johnson, and his sister Nancy Christine Johnson. 

A funeral service was held in the chapel at First Baptist Jackson on January 22, 2024. 

Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation online at give.michaeljfox.org/give or to Sam and Fred’s favorite no kill animal shelters Animal Rescue Fund (Pippa Jackson) by mail to 395 West Mayes St., Jackson, MS 39213 or Cheshire Abbey (Chrissy Cheshire) on Facebook.