Riley Johnson

For Pop

A big man lived a big, full, beautiful life. Pull up a chair, maybe a smidge of fine whiskey,
and remember him with us.
Riley Ray Johnson, 78, of Thornburg, AR and surrounded by family entered eternal rest
on April 14, 2026. Born as the 5th of 8 children to William and Katherine (Westerfield)
Johnson, he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors and wondering just how far it
went. In 1965 he followed his father, uncles, and big brother by enlisting in the US Navy.
Recognizing his potential, he was swiftly recommended for Submarine School and
assigned to the USS George Bancroft SSBN 643 at the rank of Machinist’s Mate,
Second Class. As part of “41 For Freedom” at the height of the Cold War, his service
earned him Submarine Warfare certification, his Dolphins, and membership into the
Royal Order of the Blue Nose among many other accolades. Most Cold War activities
remained classified for the next fifty years, so it was only in later life that he was allowed to share the stories of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice that protect this grateful nation even today.
He continued working in the nuclear power industry for the rest of his career. Beginning
as a start-up operator at Nuclear One in Russellville, AR his skills put him in high
demand at plants around the world. His colleagues recall him as a popular character,
skilled, insightful and quite the cut-up until someone messed up. Training new operators
and creating reactor safety test scenarios helped ensure the protection of millions of
people. Holding Q-level security clearance prevented him from discussing his work in
any greater detail than mentioned here.
He met the love of his life, Gracie Kincaid, while visiting home on Navy leave shortly
after enlistment. He wasn’t going back to the Navy without her, so they married right
away. For 58 years they saw the world together as his career moved them around the
country and abroad, their two daughters bearing witness to their fierce sustaining love,
enduring commitment, and boundless good humor. The family made many lifelong
friends everywhere they lived, and the girls enjoyed having so many honorary siblings.
Doing classified work that he couldn’t bring home with him afforded the opportunity to
be fully present with friends and family. He was hilarious and fun to be with. The stories,
jokes, and antics are legend, and you could fill an encyclopedia listing his hobbies, most
of which revolved around his deep passion for hunting trips with The Boys, fishing, and
the outdoors. He also could pilot an aircraft, whittle, play the dulcimer and harmonica
(playing many backyard pickings and even alongside Grandpa Jones a few times). He
could field train hunting dogs, raise livestock, and cook some of the best BBQ you ever
had (the judges, several state governors, and all of us agree) on his trusty sidekick Old
Blue. Many wonderful days were spent taking all the shenanigans on the road in the
RV. At any gathering, he could be counted on to bring the mirth and likely an adult
beverage or two. Of all the fun costumes he might show up in, his favorite was Santa
Claus whether it was for his own family/friends, for charity events, or for children on the
streets of Zagreb.
It will be impossible to forget this big man with the bigger life. Anyone who met him will
remember having done so, and they’ll probably have a good story to go with it. His
surviving wife, daughters, son-in-law, granddaughters, and many other relatives will
never tire of hearing and retelling them. The many loved ones who preceded him into
Heaven are lining up now for brisket.
After cremation, his remains will be interred at Thornburg Baptist Church next to family
and near the congregation that strengthened his faith in and love for the Lord who
saved his soul. We will be gathering at Thornburg Baptist Church on April 29 th from
10a.m.-12p.m. to comfort, celebrate, respect, and reflect together. Please feel free to
join us. You're going to hear us laughing anyway, so you might as well come hear why.
In lieu of flowers, please make a loving donation to Thornburg Baptist Church.