Donald Johnson

Donald Ellis Johnson, 87 of Columbus, MS, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026, in Sylacauga, AL.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A Graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS, with Bro. Sammy Crawford officiating. Lowndes Funeral Home entrusted with all arrangements.

Mr. Johnson was born on December 17, 1938, in West Point, MS, to the late Hayward Barton and Dolly Rae Freeman Johnson. He was a graduate of West Point High School. He married Ora Mae Hill on July 3, 1959, and together they had 3 sons: Gary Johnson, Keith Johnson, and Michael Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a long-time resident of Columbus, but recently resided in Sylacauga, AL. He was actively involved in local civic organizations and activities and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He served in different capacities in the business of making personal loans, including the establishment and ownership of Loans, Inc., Columbus, MS. Prior to suffering a stroke in 2003, he maintained a health-focused lifestyle, including running marathons. Mr. Johnson enjoyed spending time supporting the band and sports endeavors of their three sons as well as fishing, water skiing, and taking family camping trips. He also enjoyed traveling the country supporting his wife, Ora, in her tour bus travel business. In addition to his parents, Mr. Johnson is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ora H. Johnson; sisters, Francis White and Virginia Johnson.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his children – Donald “Gary” (Donna) Johnson, Daphne, AL, William “Keith” (Lisa) Johnson, Germantown, TN and “Michael” Hill Johnson, Sylacauga, AL; sisters – Dorothy Johnson, West Point, MS and Hazel Pearson, Raleigh, NC; brother – Roger Johnson, Tupelo, MS; 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Lakeview Place Alzheimer’s Facility, Mantachie, MS, Brown Nursing Home, Alexander City, AL, and Coosa Valley Nursing Home, Sylacauga, AL, for their compassion and care in providing their services over the past 3 years.

Memorials may be made to American Stroke Association, www.stroke.org or Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.