Donald Malcome Johnson

Donald Malcome Johnson, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2022, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Born on July 9, 1946, in Waycross, Georgia to his parents Julian Hartridge Johnson and Lilian James Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death. Donald leaves behind his devoted family to cherish his memory, his wife Bonnie C. Johnson to whom he was married for 57 years, the love of his life and his High School sweetheart. Donald and Bonnie had two wonderful children together, Lawrence Allen Johnson (Gordon) of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Elizabeth (Lisa) Michelle Branch (Charlie) of St. Johns, Florida. Donald and Bonnie have three grandchildren, Elizabeth Ashley Boise (Steven), Julian Alexander Johnson and Allison (Alli) Paige Welch (Will). Ashley and Alli blessed him with two great grandsons, Lucas Wade Boise and William (Liam) Royce Welch lll. Donald also leaves behind his loving brother David Johnson and sister-in-law Fran as well as his brother in-law, Forest A. Turbeville Jr. whom he loved like a brother. Donald also leaves a cousin, John Edwards, who lives in Quitman, Georgia. Every opportunity he got, he enjoyed spending time at John’s farm, and they were among his fondest childhood memories. Donald retired after 25 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic, starting his career at N.A.S. Jacksonville at the age of 20 and then transferred to N.A.S Cecil Field where he was the Crash Captain of the Airfield and often acting Fire Chief. He was 45 Years old when he retired after 25 years of service and he was fortunate to have 30 years of retirement to pursue his passions, which were many. A man of many talents, he learned the art of taxidermy so he could mount his own fish and he worked for Wellington Yachts, learning the art of boat building. Donald loved offshore fishing in the yacht that he built for himself and eventually fished Black Creek and local waterways in the small boat he built and named his “retirement yacht.” One of Donald’s lifelong passions was fishing. Always learning, Donald began carving in his later years and he was quite masterful, to no one’s surprise, he graciously carved family as well as special friends many varieties of birds and ducks. Signed and dated on the bottom, as these carvings would one day become cherished Heirlooms…. And sadly, that day has come too soon. Donald was a good and decent man who loved his family and friends and was fiercely loyal to both. He will be terribly missed, until that beautiful day that we all meet again. God Broke the mold after he made Donald… a true renaissance man... The best of men.

Donald’s memorial service and will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm on Friday July 08, 2022, at Sullivan Hall, which is right behind Sacred Heart Catholic Church (7190 US HWY 17 in Fleming Island, FL 32003 (1-904-284-3811) with Chaplain Joseph Levette M. Div. officiating. A reception will follow. 

Thank you to all the wonderful Hospice nurses who stayed around the clock to give Donald comfort and to support the family.

VITAS Hospice is amazing.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please consider a donation to VITAS HOSPICE at 844-799-3012 (or here) or to an animal shelter of your choosing. Don was a lover of all animals.