Dr. Robert Edward Johnson passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, February 1st, at his home, surrounded by the love he had so faithfully given throughout his life.

He was the beloved husband of Dr. Connie Sue Cox Johnson, and devoted father to Jay (Teri), Robert (Tammy), Becky Ramsey (Matt), and D. He was a cherished grandfather — “Pop” — to Emily Ralph (Charlie), Boone, Lucy, Kate, Rachel, Eric (Aya), Madeline, and Ivey, and a proud Great-Pop to Lydia, Henry, AJ, Percy, and one more precious great-granddaughter soon to arrive.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Virginia Johnson Goodwin of Houston, TX; brother-in-law Howard Cox of Picayune, MS; and his nieces and nephews Kristen Goodwin Strength (Benjamin) of Houston, TX, Christi (Tim) Seal, and Courtney Cox of Picayune, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur J. Johnson (“Papa”) and Margaret Lois Swan Johnson (“Mama”), and numerous beloved aunts and uncles.

Bob was a lifelong learner with a curiosity that knew no bounds — the kind of man who could speak knowledgeably on almost any subject and, those who knew him well agreed, could have held his own on Jeopardy any day of the week. He was a strong and steady presence in his family’s life, always there when someone needed him, no matter the circumstances. He loved traveling the world, cheering on Ole Miss football, and settling in for a good old cowboy movie. He had a deep love of nature and the outdoors, and a remarkable ability to master whatever he set his mind to. One of his greatest simple pleasures was sitting on the porch in the evening, newspaper in hand, watching the hummingbirds return year after year like old friends. He was a great leader, a shrewd businessman, an avid reader, and a friend to everyone he met. He is greatly missed.

Professionally, Bob dedicated more than 40 years to the University of North Alabama as a valued and respected professor, earning numerous awards, grants, and accolades for his contributions to the field of education. Teaching was his calling. He had a rare gift for understanding people and a deep passion for preparing and equipping the next generation of educators — many of whom he stayed in touch with long after they left his classroom. He was a graduate of Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, MS, where he played clarinet in the marching band, and went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Mississippi. Beyond the classroom, he served with distinction in the Lions Club, his church, the Brooks High School Booster Club, and numerous other organizations, always stepping into leadership with humility and purpose.

Bob was sincerely loved, deeply respected, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family will host a Celebration of Life at the home of his daughter, Becky Ramsey, at 205 Tidewater Drive, Madison, AL. All friends and family are warmly invited to attend.