Kenneth “Kenny” Cleveland Johnson, Sr., 79
Kenneth “Kenny” Cleveland Johnson, Sr., 79, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was born in Fayetteville, NC to the late Roy Cleveland Johnson, Sr. and Vera Mae Hyatt Johnson. He moved to the area as a child and graduated from Paxon High School in 1964.
Kenny was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. Working for Wright’s Clay County Farms for over 35 years, Kenny knew every inch of the property and every job that needed to be done. After retiring from the dairy, Kenny worked another 16 years for the Clay County Parks and Recreation department. Kenny loved the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, shrimping, and working in his beloved garden. He also loved spending his time helping others, whether it be cooking at the Baxley House in the Early Florida Village at the Clay County Agricultural Fair where he spent over 25 years volunteering, or just being a friend to someone in need.
Kenny was living proof that a person can change, softening from a stern young father into a man who became kinder with each passing day. A selfless soul who preferred actions over words, he truly would give anyone the shirt off his back, quietly taking care of countless people and living by the rule that “if you leave hungry, it’s your own damn fault.” If you were gifted with one of his jars of his famous pickled okra, you were a cherished friend. He famously never met a stranger, originating the “3 degrees of Kenny Johnson” by turning people into fast friends hundreds of miles from his home state of Florida. He was a man of integrity, sharp wit, an elephant’s memory, and a charm so deep that old friends would visit him the moment they stepped into town. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, unconditional love, and a family determined to walk in the footsteps of the incredible man who made them who they are.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Vera Johnson; his beloved wife of 57 years, Irma Bell Johnson; and two brothers, James Johnson and Bobby Berry. He is survived by two sons, Kenny Johnson, Jr. (Tracy) and James “Brad” Johnson (Hannah); two daughters, Christy (Sissy) Rogers (Gene Jr.) and Darlena (DA DA) Chaney; sister, Teresa Berry Jones (Rick); 9 grandchildren who call him “PawPaw”, Kenny Rogers, Gene Rogers III (Robin), Tiffany Melvin (Ben), Maegan Chaney, Kelcey Johnson, Kylie Johnson, James Levi Johnson, Mykala Johnson, and Traci Johnson; 4 great-grandchildren, Ruby Rogers, Opal Rogers, Jasper Rogers, and Owen Melvin; as well as too many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members to mention.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 11:00am at Russell Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Hall officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior at 10:00am. Burial will follow in the Heritage Section of Russell Haven of Rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Kenny’s memory to the Early Florida Village at the Clay County Agricultural Fair, 2493 State Road 16 W. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.