Mr. Daniel James Johnson, age 86, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and patriot, Daniel’s life was marked by service, dedication, and love for his family, faith, community, and country.
Daniel was born on April 21, 1938 in Youngstown, OH. While at Austintown Fitch High School, he was a member of the Naval Air Reserve Guard. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served with distinction as a Radio Telephone Operator. Daniel’s time in the military shaped his strong sense of duty and honor, values he carried with him throughout his life.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Daniel moved into the workforce with positions in Northeast Ohio at A&P Grocers followed by office administration work with Herr-Voss. During this time, he was attending Youngstown State University to successfully obtain his undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
At this point, wanting to better provide for his family and move into greater roles of leadership, he began a long and successful career with State Farm Insurance. Throughout those 30 years, he consistently demonstrated excellent performance and was moved into higher leadership roles, eventually leading divisions in Accounting, Finance, and Management Planning. Concurrently, he put in the extra effort and obtained his Master’s in Business Administration from Dayton University. These opportunities took Daniel and his family through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and eventually Murfreesboro.
His passion for helping others was evident in the many nights he taught accounting courses at two universities in central Texas, to leading young men in the Boy Scouts of America. After retirement, he enjoyed serving in volunteer positions with Habitat for Humanity and deepening his engagement with God by being an ordained elder at First Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro. Daniel loved to travel, play a spirited round of golf with good friends, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Daniel was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Martha Johnson; two sons, Daniel K. Johnson and wife Pam and David T. Johnson and wife Holly; three cherished grandchildren, Camden Espinoza and husband Jeremy, Spenser Stone and husband Cameron, and Christopher Johnson; and sister-in-law, Janet Johnson. In addition to his parents, Lydia Maggianetti Johnson and Carl Johnson, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gayle Molnar, and brother, Carl Johnson.
Daniel’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Habitat for Humanity and the Legacy Capital Fund at First Presbyterian Church in Daniel’s memory.
Daniel’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staffs of both Harmony at Victory Station – Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice Care of Murfreesboro for their compassionate care during his illness.
A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 14, 2024 following the celebration of life at First Presbyterian Church.
An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Memorial Chapel (615) 893-5151
