Willie Johnson

Willie Richard “Richie” Johnson, 66, of Reidland, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 at his home.

Richie was born in Paducah on November 23, 1954 to J.W. “Bill” Johnson and Minnie (Miller) Johnson. He was a 1973 graduate of Reidland High School, where he played baseball for the Reidland Greyhounds. Richie retired from the river towing industry after 38 years. Before Alzheimer’s Disease robbed him of his abilities, Richie enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, DIY projects, and was an avid UK fan. He was a faithful member of Reidland Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy L. (Parham) Johnson; one son, Matthew K. Johnson (Autumn) of Reidland; one daughter, Laura C. Dunn (Rodney) of Paducah; four grandchildren, Ryder W. Dunn, Wyatt M. Johnson, Layla C. Dunn, and Rowen E. Dunn; two sisters, Cathey S. Holler (Robert) of West Paducah and Patricia A. Davis of Waverly, Tennessee; and his beloved dog and constant companion, Emma.

Richie was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. “Bill” and Minnie Johnson.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice and his private caregivers, Kendra Wade, Ashton Johnson, and Mary Guilmain for the kind and compassionate care provided to Mr. Johnson.

A funeral service for Richie Johnson will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Terrell Lee officiating.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made in memory of Richie Johnson to the Alzheimer’s Association; 6100 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 4, Louisville, KY 40203 or to the McCracken County Humane Society; 4000 Coleman Road Paducah, KY 42001.

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