Kenneth Ray Johnson

October 15, 1940  -  September 8, 2025

Kenneth Ray Johnson, age 84 of Winchester, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Unity Medical Center in Manchester. He was born in Columbia on October 15, 1940, to the late Oscar Alex and Bertha Elizabeth (Childress) Johnson. He was a 1958 graduate of Columbia Military Academy, where he played baseball, football, and basketball. From 1959-1960, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds but eventually chose family over fame. Before his retirement, Kenneth was employed at TVA from 1964-1992. He liked to have fun, whether it was celebrating at a party, dancing, or driving fast cars, new or old ones he had restored. Kenneth liked to travel, particularly taking in the sites on his motorcycle going to Florida or down the Natchez Trace to New Orleans. He knew the Lord and was a Christian man. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jamey Ray Dias; sisters, Edwina Berlin, and Dorris Johnson Thomason; nephew, Timothy Thomason; and son-in-law, Tony Dias. Kenneth is survived by his loving daughters, Rhonda Dias, and Mary (Kenny) Kesey; bonus son, Anthony Thomason; grandchild, Lauren (Stephen) Cook; great-grandchildren, Amiya Cook, Eli Cook, and Peyton Cook; nephews, Keith Thomason, Kenny (Connie) Berlin, and Terry (Kim) Berlin; niece, Karen (Steve) Beckham; many great-nieces and great-nephews, and special friends, Butch and Sarah Nowlin. Services will be held at a later date. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.