Obituary of Preston Johnson

Preston "Don" Johnson, age 70, formerly of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Friday, October 7, 2022. Born in Salem, New Jersey, he was a lifelong resident of Pennsville until building his dream log home in Dandridge, Tennessee; where he retired with his wife, Lois, in 2008. A 1970 graduate of PMHS, Don received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Glassboro State College. As a gifted carpenter, Don was fortunate to make his living doing what he loved. He shared his talents with Habitat For Humanity, volunteering for several years. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Don and his brother, Arde traveled to Mississippi, where they graciously assisted residents with needed repairs. Along with his brothers and their father, Don was a lifetime member of Pennsville Fire & Rescue, where he once held the title of Firefighter of The Year. Also an outdoor enthusiast, Don was an avid hunter. He enjoyed many hunting trips throughout the nation; harvesting all sorts of wild game and observing nature in the wild. His real passion, however, was the hot rod hobby. He enjoyed restoring, and riding in countless vehicles over the decades. Most all of his friends knew Don's love for his '36 GMC Pickup and '58 Chevy Sedan Delivery. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arde, Sr. & Virginia; brothers, Arde, Jr. & Walter; brother-in-law, Rick; and his cherished niece, Kristy. He is survived by his high school sweetheart (of 53 years), and wife of 48 years, Lois; son, Aaron & wife Becky; daughter, Rebecca; and grandchildren, Leah, Brian, & Shane; sisters, Elizabeth Hires & husband, Steve and Reverend Patricia Johnson Smith; sisters-in-law, Sue & Margie; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6PM to 7PM on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Alder Funeral Home in Morristown, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life will follow at 7PM with Rev. Ron Zills officiating. For Don's New Jersey family and friends, Rev. Tom Gilchrist will officiate a second Memorial Service at 12 Noon on Saturday, October 22nd. This service will take place at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, where friends may visit from 10AM to Noon, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Don's memory be sent to his favorite charity, Cruise Against Cancer c/o Celebrate Life… PO Box 263 – Newport, TN 37821. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com