Wayne Henry Johnson

Wayne Henry Johnson, 81, passed peacefully on November 21, 2023, in Nashville, TN. Wayne was born June 26, 1942, in Conway, Arkansas, to Henry and Sarah (Long) Johnson. He and his family lived in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, England, and Venezuela. He graduated from Okmulgee High School in Okmulgee, OK, and then earned a bachelor’s degree from East Central State University in Ada, OK, where he was a cheerleader and founding member of the East Central Pi Kappa Alpha chapter. He received his master’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Wayne’s teaching career began in Hobbs, NM, where he met Lee Ann. They were married for 54 years. His career included time at Atlanta Area Technical College in Atlanta, GA, and Odessa College in Odessa, TX. He also had extensive menswear retail experience, working at Brooks Brothers in Atlanta and Dillard’s in Odessa.  Wayne retired from Odessa College and eventually relocated to Nashville, TN, to be closer to family. He is remembered for his quick wit, high intellect, amusing anecdotes, love of all things Disney, and devotion to his wife and family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Frances.  He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann Berry Johnson, daughters Courtney Johnson and Sarah Johnson Viscardi, son-in-law Mike Viscardi, grandchildren Henry and Caroline Viscardi, brother James Johnson, sister-in-law, Carol Johnson, nephew Todd Johnson, niece Brittani Roberts.  His memory is a treasured blessing to his family, friends, and former students.

The family is grateful for the care he received from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Brookdale Belle Meade, and Alive Hospice.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.