RAYMOND JOHNSON, SR., age 75, was a lifelong residence of the Mississippi City Community in Gulfport, MS. His grand entrance into the world was February 6, 1947 to the late Gayhazle Johnson and Helen Kelly Johnson. He transitioned February 3, 2023.

Raymond, at an early age, joined, and was baptized at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Handsboro. Raymond graduated in the class of 1965 at Thirty-Third Avenue High School, home of the Trojans, where he became a running back on the football team, sporting jersey number 30.

After high school Raymond joined the United States Army where he trained at Fort Polk, La., and also played on the U. S. Army football team at Fort Mead, Maryland. In his military career Raymond served in Korea, Germany, and Johnston Island Atoll, off the coast of Hawaii before receiving an Honorable Discharge which led him back to Gulfport where he made a career of landscaping at the rich historical antebellum homes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast; a passion he pursued until his health began to fail. Raymond enjoyed old cars, reminiscing about his military career, and listening to Old School Music. He was rooted and grounded in a life of love.

He leaves to cherish his memories four children: One daughter, Carmella D. Johnson of Las Vegas, NV, and three sons: Antonio "Tony" Johnson of Gulfport, MS, Raymond Johnson, Jr. (Tenika) of Columbus, GA, and Rodney Allen (Monica) of Valdosta, GA. Two sisters: Alberta Williams and Hazle Louise McCreary, both of Gulfport, MS. Two brothers: Johnny Johnson (Catherine) of Bloomfield, CN, and Samuel Leroy Johnson (Pamela) of Gulfport, MS. One Uncle, Thomas Kelly, Jr., of Gulfport, MS, and a cousin like a brother, Clifton Nunley of Biloxi, MS, 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, cousins, and friends.