Michael Lee Johnson

Michael Lee Johnson passed peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 67, surrounded by love after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 12, 1958, he grew up in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he attended high school. He earned an associate’s degree in Electronic Technology from RETS Electronics Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and built a distinguished 25-year career as an electronics engineer at Nortel Networks in Nashville. Colleagues and friends valued his sharp mind, exceptional problem-solving skills, and lifelong curiosity about technology.

In 2011, Michael met the love of his life, Kristl “KC” Costain. Their relationship blossomed through seven years of long-distance devotion before they married in 2018. Together they created a life centered on poetry, creativity, nature, and quiet early mornings. Their home and gardens in Manchester reflected the deep friendship, faith, and unwavering commitment they shared, and they often spoke with comfort of the eternity they would one day continue together.

Michael possessed a curious and creative spirit. He loved music, art, photography, poetry, electronics, and gadgets of every kind. He was fascinated by the planets and stars, enjoyed studying the night sky, and had a lifelong passion for boats and motorcycles. With an engineer’s gift for fixing things, he could repair almost anything once he set his mind to it. He found joy in hiking, camping, and being on the water. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who especially cherished his time with his granddaughter, Rebel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kristl Maureen Costain “KC” Johnson; daughters Kristi Lea Ward (David) and Mindy Johnson Gober (Eli); their mother, Janette Johnson; granddaughter Rebel Paige Gober; brothers Roger Dale Johnson and Jimmy “Ray” Johnson (Kathy); sister Patricia Ann Green; aunt Louise “Sis” Rediker; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Johnson Jr. and Ann Johnson, sister-in-law Judy Johnson, nieces Makayla and Shanna, and nephew Jude. Michael will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.