Michael Andrew Johnson

Michael A. Johnson, known affectionately as Mike or Alabama Mike, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on March 10, 2026, at his cabin, surrounded by his family and his beloved dog, Wheezy.

Born in Chatsworth, Georgia, to Will A. and Thelma Johnson, Michael graduated from LaFayette High School in 1969. He married Nina Osby Johnson of Chickamauga, Georgia, on July 2, 1971, and together they raised three children: Andy, Ginny, and Becky. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he was also a dedicated supporter of the Tunnel to Towers Organization.

An avid sportsman, Mike hunted and fished with skill and enthusiasm, providing for his family year-round with deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, and dove. He was a celebrated cook, winning Best Cook two years in a row for his deer chili. On the softball field, he earned local and regional acclaim as an exceptional shortstop, once turning a triple play unassisted. Stump Martin once declared on his television show that Mike Johnson was the best shortstop he had ever seen. After his playing days, Mike became a respected umpire and was named the 2011 TSFA Umpire of the Year. He also excelled at golf, achieving a hole-in-one that filled him with unforgettable joy.

Mike’s work ethic was unmatched. He worked for U.S. Pipe and Foundry for over 30 years, beginning in 1977 as Foreman of the Cupola and remaining until the company closed. He then worked for The Fire Brick Company for more than 10 years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Will A. and Thelma Ingle Johnson, and his brother, Kenneth Johnson, all of LaFayette, Georgia.

Mike is survived by his children, Andy (Somer) Johnson, Ginny Johnson, and Becky (Nick) Johnson; grandchildren Claire (Nathan) Murrell and Conner Johnson; great-grandson Theo; his dog Wheezy; and his siblings Mary Elizabeth Powell (Pete) of Summerville, Bobby (Linda) Johnson of Chickamauga, Douglas Doyle (Beth) Johnson of Calhoun, Larry (Foye) Johnson of LaFayette, Cathy (Roger) Bradley of LaFayette, Judy (Melvin) Parker of LaFayette, and Steve (Kim) Johnson, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

His children will honor him with a celebration of life for family and friends in late spring at his beloved cabin. The date will be announced at a later time.