Garrett Rodman “Rod” Johnson, 81, of Philpot, passed away Saturday March 29, 2025, at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville. He was born on January 27, 1944, in Lawrenceburg, KY, to the late John Bud Johnson and Ivy Mae Johnson.
Rod wore many hats over the course of his life in addition to being son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was a high school athlete in Anderson County loving all sports, but especially baseball and basketball. Rod’s devotion to the University of Kentucky basketball team never wavered. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, joining voluntarily with the intention of serving his country during Vietnam. Rod was a scholar earning a master’s degree in education through Western Kentucky University and a science teacher who touched the lives of hundreds of students during his tenure with the Owensboro Public School System. He was selected teacher of the year right as he retired in 1997. During most of his summers, he wore a farmer’s hat and loved growing tobacco, corn and soybeans and sharing respect for the land. After his retirement, he reflected on the teachings of his own father when he created beautiful furniture for his family and friends. Most importantly, he was a caregiver to his wife during her long illness as well as a support to his daughter and grandchildren. He will be missed by all for the many gifts he shared and the love and laughter he gave.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Evelyn Chapman Johnson; and a sister, Eleanor Hoskins.
Rod is survived by his daughter, Beth (Joel Northwall) Johnson; grandchildren, Garrett Northwall and Walker Northwall; a brother, John (Jeanne) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
The funeral service for Rod will be at 12 p.m. Saturday April 5, 2025, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Bro. Herschel Morgan officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. The entombment will be alongside his wife, Evelyn, in the Chapel of Peace at Rosehill Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary 765 Nonaville Road Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, McLean County Animal Shelter 86 Sanitation Lane Calhoun, KY 42327 or the animal charity of your choice.
Memories and condolences for the family of Garrett “Rod” Johnson may be left at www.glenncares.com.