John William Johnson – May 16, 1945 – Nov. 7, 2026

John W. Johnson, known to his friends as Johnny, passed away on Nov. 7, 2026, in Mansfield, Texas, at the age of 81. He lived a full life, mostly outdoors, and always had a good story ready. A Celebration of Life will be held on Jan. 9, at Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch located at 8137 FM 1902, Joshua. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Calvary Church Fort Worth at https://calvaryftw.com/ Born in Fort Worth to Jerome Johnson and Gaynell Walraven, Johnny attended school in Oak Cliff and later owned multiple pawn shops in Dallas, where he learned two things: everybody has a story, and about half of them are true. He later became a wildlife ranch owner, clay target club owner and, having previously earned his pilot’s license, taught himself to fly a paraglider. He was a man who wasn’t afraid to take chances. Johnny was a shotgun man through and through. He spent countless hours on the sporting clay ranges and in competitions along with his wife Karen. He was always happy to talk about shooting, and just as happy to gently explain how you could improve your form. He had 27 years of experience across disciplines, was a level II National Sporting Clays Association instructor, a former NSCA advisory council board member, and was the past president of the Texas Sporting Clays Association. John was a former member of The Dallas Gun Club and Arlington Sportsman Club. He enjoyed many different adventurous hobbies and earned his scuba diving license. He was also an avid fisherman, and his travels in pursuit of challenging fish took him as far as South America. He loved those Peacock Bass. He was married to Karen, the love of his life, for 30 years. Johnny was a man of simple enjoyments, and one of his favorites was relaxing with his wife and her friends. He often said he could “never figure out what those women had so much to talk about.” He adored his grandchildren and his special time with them. Patience was not always his strong suit. He was always itching to get home. He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, Eric Johnson and Azura Johnson-Bringedahl; and his brother, Richard Johnson (wife, Linda). Johnny is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Jon Johnson and wife Michelle, and Keith Johnson; stepson, Nick Edwards; his sister, Tracy Whitman; niece, Holly Branton and husband, Steven, and her children, Ashley and Dylan; niece, Chelsea Whitman and family. He was a PROUD grandfather to Emerson, Ellis, and Kade Johnson of Colleyville; Daxxon Johnson; and Ashlyn, Grayson, and Hunter. The family offers special thanks to Pastor Tommy Brandon of Calvary FTW, who was a good friend to Johnny. Johnny always hit what he aimed at. Save him a good spot, Lord. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth 76107 817-336-0584 Related View more details from the funeral home site . Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism .