Gary Daniel Johnson

Gary Daniel Johnson, 61, of Monroe passed away Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Gary was born on Dec. 29, 1953, in Jonesboro, LA, to Franceil Hearn Johnson and Kenneth Johnson.Gary served the citizens of Monroe faithfully as a Monroe Firefighter. He retired from the City of Monroe after 28 years. Prior to his retirement he achieved the rank of Fire Captain and will be remembered by many as Captain Johnson. Gary was also the Owner Operator of Gary Johnson Construction. He began his construction career in the vinyl siding business and later became a Licensed General Contractor. Gary built many homes throughout Ouachita Parish and continued in this capacity throughout his retirement. He was known for his hard work in which he continued until his health declined.Gary was very skilled in many things and had a knack for fixing and building things. He loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting. Gary taught his grandkids, Ashley and Tyler to hunt and to love the outdoors. In his last few years, he rarely went hunting without them. Gary loved his grandkids dearly. He enjoyed attending their athletic and school events. In his youth and young adult life he was an athlete himself. He carried this love into his adult life. Gary coached girls softball for many years including being designated as the coach for the all-star teams. He was recently recognized by East Ouachita Recreation Department and was presented with an award for his achievements and dedication to coaching.Gary’s family was his life. Most of his plans included activities with his family. He was very giving of his time and was a selfless person always attending to the needs of others. Gary never put his family second to anything.He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Johnson.Gary is survived by his wife of 33 years Annette Johnson; one daughter, Keisha Johnson Avery of Monroe; two grandkids, Ashley Kay Viola Avery and Tyler Daniel Avery, both of Monroe; mother, Franceil Johnson of Monroe; one sister, Kaye Johnson Thurston and husband Bill of Marion; aunt, Louceal Hearn Simmons and husband Gene; uncle, Delton Hearn and wife Betty; uncle, Doug Hearn and wife Mary; aunt, Bonnie McCown; as well as a host of friends.Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe with Rev. Kenneth E. Ronaghan officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.Serving as Pallbearers will be Leroy Davis, Tyler Avery, Johnny Semmes, Bruce Moore, Bud Fuller and Bill Thurston. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Pearson and Dalton LeBleu.