Joe 'Handsome Joe' Neal Johnson

Friday, September 28, 2018

Joe "Handsome Joe" Neal Johnson, 68 of Blytheville peacefully passed away Wednesday, Septmeber 26, 2018 at NEA Baptist in Jonesboro. Joe was born June 5, 1950 in Keiser, AR to Ray and Bernice Johnson.

Joe was a loving husband of 21 years to wife, Joyce. He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson of Osceola; daughter Lisa Nutt and husband, Kevin Nutt of Gosnell; daughter Mae Ferguson and husband, Tad Ferguson of West Palm Beach, FL; daughter Jessica Warrenfells and husband, Mike Warrenfells of Manila; 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandsons; brother, Malven Johnson and wife, Susan Johnson of Versailles, KY; sister, Linda Williams of Osceola, and mother-in-law, Mary Earwood of Osceola.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Bernice Johnson; sister, Betty Derrick, and granddaughter, Alicia Williams.

Even as a young child, Joe entertained everyone and never saw a stranger. He had awards in Geometry and Algebra, played basketball, and was a member of the FFA.

To speak to Joe's character, when seeing Sterling's, a local store in Osceola, on fire with not enough firemen to help, Joe saw the need and jumped in to assist. From there, his passion grew which led to him joining the Osceola Volunteer Fire Department and later becoming an E.M.T. Joe went on to owning a lawn service with his father, Ray and was fortunate enough to work with family members such as nephew, James Williams and niece, Stephanie Rose. Later in life, Joe worked as the maintenance supervisor at Osceola Health Care. Being the entertainer he was, he was the president of the He-man Woman-Hater Club, and quickly became the family that many residents didn't have.

Joe loved being outdoors, listening to music, laughing, wishing people a 'Merry Christmas' all year long, and most of all, spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, all who knew him, but most of all, his grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Earwood for loving him and for all that she did for him.