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Curtis Douglas Johnson Sr.

MEMPHIS - U. S. Army Major (Ret.) Curtis Douglas Johnson Sr., of Memphis, Tennessee; with over 21 years of service, was a seasoned military combat veteran, a devoted loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Johnson passed away peacefully at his home on December 8, 2020 from complications as a result of Multiple Myeloma from exposure to Agent Orange.

Born in Harlan, Kentucky on March 11, 1941 to William Thomas and Leatha Mae Johnson, Curtis grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky and was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1958, Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Major Curtis Johnson’s military career began after high school on September 12, 1958 in basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After serving in Korea, Curtis was honorably discharged he then attended St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina for two years before deciding to re-enlist in the Army to serve his Country. He served in Vietnam for two years, 1969 and 1970 and was awarded (2) Bronze Stars. Curtis D. Johnson Sr. completed his undergraduate degree at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Johnson was a council member with the National Pan Hellenic council; a member of the Prince Hall Mason’s Lodge St. Luke #241; a fund raiser with the Pro Duffers Golf Tournament benefiting Sickle Cell Anemia and he was a member of the Elvis Presley Post 249 Bartlett, Tennessee, the American Legion. Johnson was awarded the distinction of Kentucky Colonel in 1999 for outstanding service as President and Co-founder of the Lincoln School Reunion.

Curtis D. Johnson, Sr., was married to Daphine L. Johnson in 1965 and is survived by his wife of 55 years, two daughters Mrs. Tamara (Bob) Burdon, Clinical Consultant, Attorney Florence M. Johnson, two sons Attorney Curtis D. Johnson Jr. and Reverend Corey D. Johnson.

Retired Major Johnson was a brave and loyal soldier as well as a loving husband and father. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Michael Thomas.