Gaylon Parrish Johnson, Sr.

Gaylon Parrish Johnson, Sr., affectionately known as “J,” was born November 15, 1962, to the late Pastor Elder Otis Johnson and Mae Liza Johnson. He had eight siblings, three of whom preceded him in death, Carolyn Waters, Shirley Forehand, and James Johnson.

Gaylon and Karen Givens were united in Holy Matrimony in 1985. The Lord blessed their union with three sons, Gaylon Parrish Johnson, Jr., Christopher Daniel Johnson, and one of the sons who preceded him in death, Brandon Parrish Johnson.

He was educated in the Duval County public school system, graduated from Edward White Senior High School, and served his country for twenty-one and a half years in the United States Navy. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal/Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal/Southwest Asia Service Award. He ended his career as a Culinary Specialist 2. Known for his succulent cuisine from his Navy days, Gaylon, upon military retirement, could be found preparing meals to delight the soul and heal the heart. He was gifted in carpentry and loved fishing and cooking. His love for fishing equated to the same great passion of a painter who has mastered their craft. He cooked with a symphony of flavors spanning diverse regions across the globe, crafted to bring an immersive culinary experience for many to enjoy. Gaylon Sr. loved his family immensely and was delighted to spend time with them.

He gave His life to Christ as a child and confirmed his salvation before his journey home. He grew up in the Church of God By Faith, where he was taught the Word of God. On March 31, Gaylon Sr. was welcomed into the presence of our heavenly Father. He leaves to cherish his memory his caring and devoted sons, Gaylon Parrish Johnson, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida and Christopher Daniel Johnson (fiancée Alyssa Cervantes) of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Xavier Shane Harris Johnson, Isaac James Esparza, and Alexandria Halo Johnson; five siblings, Nadell Benjamin (Clarence), Thomasena Barnett, Cathy Day (Freddie), Jacky Johnson (Carolyn), and Sabrina Osborne (William); brothers-in-law, Thomas Waters (Iprima) and Samuel B. Forehand, Jr.; aunts, Cora Johnson and Helen Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends. Many loved ones came by to encourage and express their love.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gaylon Parrish Johnson, Sr., please visit our floral store.