Rev. Ray Johnson

Ray Milton Johnson Sr. was born on June 14, 1954, to Gussie Mae Dennis and John "Dush" Wayne in Alexandria, Louisiana. He was also known as Roy, Milton, Bigtree, Yellow 1080, and Doc. He attended Bruce Elementary, E.O. Smith Middle School, and Jefferson Davis High School, where he was proud to play varsity football directly against his brother.

Pastor Johnson confessed his love for Christ at an early age while attending Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in the bottom of Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas. Because he was not allowed to sing in the choir, he was appointed president of the usher board.

He was called into the ministry and preached his first sermon in 1981 at Goodwill under Rev. John Boykins, Sr., and then graduated from the Northeast Houston Baptist Learning Center directly after. From 1988-1999, he Pastored Perpetual Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. In 1999, he was called to pastor Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served until he was called home to be with the Lord.

He left a long career in truck driving in 1999; he worked for the City of El Dorado and retired in 2018 as the Superintendent of Sanitation. He also worked in the El Dorado School District in transportation, opened a Barbeque shop, and often volunteered in the community. He managed and led the reconstruction of Mattock's Park and established the pond, which was widely used and greatly appreciated by local residents. Rev. Johnson was very active and loved his hobbies: bowling, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He was extremely competitive in dominoes, and he enjoyed watching football.

In 2023, he assumed the position of Friendship District Moderator. During his tenure, he established the Starlight Leadership School for leaders who sought to expand their discipleship of Christian Education. He served as Vice President of the Friendship District Singing Convention for nine years and Vice Moderator for six years.

Pastor Johnson served his church and community until the Lord called him home. He passed at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, AR, on January 20, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Gussie Mae Dennis of Houston, Texas; his father, John "Dush" Wayne of Marion, Louisiana; and his brother, Roland "Bubba Dean" Johnson.

His loving and precious memories will be cherished by his wife, Donna, his little girl, Sadie, and his dad, Henry Dennis, who raised him. He was an active father and grandfather and was proud of all seven of his children: Trina Robinson (John), Ray Johnson Jr. (Laura), Murrell Johnson (Tameria), John Johnson, Tori Dodla (Naveen), Ciara Johnson, and Amiracle Johnson. His ten Grandchildren: Ray'chel, Mike, Jamar, Rayshawn, Laraylynn, Morgan, Jordyn, John Maxwell, Jayce, and Micah. He has 1 Great-grandchild, Miguel, not to mention the Starlight Church family, who loved him dearly and will miss him tremendously.

He also leaves four sisters, Kathy Ricks, Nellie Howard (Joel), Cassandra Dennis, and Janetta Carrier, and two brothers, Stanley Dennis (Norma) and Henry Murrell Dennis, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He will be missed by many.

 “I’m fairly midly and partly cloudy, kicking but not high, flopping and can’t fly.”