Randy Wallace Johnson

Randy Johnson passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace Edwin Johnson and Nell Johnson along with his sister, Flossy Johnson and brothers, Ricky Johnson and Jamie Graves. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Johnson and children (with former wife, Linda Estes): Kim (Harland) Beagley, Karen Schubert, Kathy (Dave) Hart, John (Carla) Johnson and (with former wife, Sharon Erkeneff): Deyna Zinn; sisters, Connie Smith and Rhonda (Robert) Kiepke; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Randy was born in McNary, Arizona on August 10, 1943. He grew up in Lakeside and never lived outside of Arizona, except for one year (1956) in Arkansas. Randy graduated from Lakeside High School in 1961. While attending high school, Randy worked at Howard's Garage in Lakeside and Blakely Station in Show Low. These jobs allowed him the opportunity to work on and, race cars; something he always enjoyed. The love and thrill of speed remained with Randy as he had success in the horseracing business and then, in his 60s, he competed in the barrel racing sport. Randy competed in the NBHA finals in September of 2014. Randy worked for Arizona Public Service Company (APS) for almost 40 years. He began his career in McNary then transferred to Sierra Vista, Douglas, Phoenix, Prescott, Sedona, Payson and retired in Holbrook. While working for APS, Randy worked many different job positions. Randy loved his animals and the outdoors. He could spin a good yarn and had a great sense of humor. Rarely was he caught without his mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye as he told a story from his past. He suffered a massive stroke on November 22, 2014. Randy fought for seven months before he lost his battle on July 2, 2015 in St. Johns, Arizona. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 31, 2015 at the Navajo County Fairgrounds beginning at 11:00 A.M. A lunch will be provided for friends and family to share their memories and swap stories. In lieu of flowers, any donations to the Holbrook Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated.