Eugene Alan Johnson
Eugene Alan Johnson, 71, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Mercy ministry was at the heart of all of Gene’s life, from his professional career to his friendships with neighbors and local restaurant owners. His love for people was evident by all who met him. The world will greatly miss a humble servant who indiscriminately expressed the kindness and compassion of Jesus. Gene worked as Director of Materials for Christian Business Men’s Connection in Chattanooga. He then served as Diaconal Coordinator at New City Fellowship where he developed the church’s mercy ministry. Gene volunteered with Widow’s Harvest and Adopt-A-Block.
Gene was born on December 8, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan. After graduating from Wheaton College in 1974, he became involved with his first professional ministry-focused venture, the Coffee House Ministry in downtown Chicago. Gene was a freelance photographer, magazine editor, and an avid antique collector. Every Saturday, Gene was out selling his collections and folk art on Main Street, which he lovingly called “Neat Stuff on Main.” He had a long history of attending antique sales, collecting, and selling online through his Eklectic Designs title. He created folk art under the pseudonym J. Eugene Alan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harriett and Earle S. Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Ann Johnson; children, Michael Alan Johnson (Julie), Matthew Stephen Johnson (Jordan), and Elizabeth Hope Marie Johnson; his brother, Roger Johnson (Karla); his first granddaughter Ramona Drexler Johnson; and many beloved cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Adoption Advocacy Fund, Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, at New City East Lake, 2903 E. 37th Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37407.