Russell Ray Johnson

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

July 10, 1945 - July 19, 2009

Russell Ray Johnson, died Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney at the age of 64.

He was born July 10, 1945, at Salinas, Calif., the son of the late James and Susie (Kennedy) Johnson. Russell grew up in Salinas, where he graduated from high school. He began working in the agriculture business as a lettuce loader in the Salinas and Imperial Valleys of California.

On Jan. 5, 1988, Russell married Lee Anna Hart in Salinas where they made their home. They moved to McCook in 1993, where he began working on the Jack Kidd farm as a manager east of McCook. He became a truck driver for several companies and a cross country driver until retiring in 2006.

Three of his special loves were his dog, Ginger, his Harley and his grandson Reid. He was loved by many and known by most as a storyteller of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Susie Johnson, his grandparents, Ray and Geneva Kennedy and one brother, Don Daniels.

Russell is survived by his wife, Lee Anna Johnson of Cambridge; two daughters, Barbara Fickle and husband, Mike, Theresa Steinbeck and husband, Larry and one son, Craig Carner and wife, Jen, all of McCook; grandchildren, Ashelei and husband, Carlos Cruz, Stephen Furtado and wife, Abigail, Laura Fernandez, Brenna and Audrie Carner, Lucas Morrel, Reid Spencer and KayLeigh Steinbeck; one great-granddaughter, Allison Furtado; one brother, Joe Kennedy of Salinas; brothers-in-law, Kenny, Frank and Russell Hart; and sister-in-law, Mary Sams; and relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2009, at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name and visitation will be Thursday at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.