Russell Alan Johnson

Russell Alan Johnson, lifelong resident of Battle Creek, unexpectedly passed into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on September 11th, 2024, just a month before his 61st birthday October 19th. Russ attended Pennfield schools for his education and graduated in 1981. Russ continued his education at Kellogg Community College where he studied electronics and auto mechanics. He had a special interest in the technical world and often disassembled items to see what made them work. His mom bought him his first computer when he was 16 and at the age of 17, he was working in a computer store teaching children computer skills. Russ had many interests. He enjoyed music, especially the Russian Siberian orchestra. He attended their performances whenever they performed in Grand Rapids. He and a group of friends had their own band for a few months and practiced in the basement of his parents’ home. The popular song “Pretty Woman” could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Russ had his own computer sales and service business, Orion, for a few years. He had various other job experiences along the way including guard duties at Kellogg Co. His mom encouraged him to apply for a position at a local health facility which is now Grace Health. He served there as Senior Administrator of Technical Services until his death.

Russ enjoyed nature and especially the water. He loved sailing and purchased a sailboat for summer enjoyment at Gull Lake. In his teen years, Russ looked forward to spending time at church camp for a few weeks of the summer. He liked to travel to visit friends and family out of state and especially enjoyed recent trips to Puerto Rico and North Carolina. Russ had skills at racing cars on the professional tracks. His mechanical interests allowed him to repair his cars, which were many over the years. Russ could build or repair almost anything in his childhood home that he remodeled and brought up to the newest building codes.

The highlight of life for Russ was his marriage June 9th, 2024 to Thamary Correa performed on the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon, MI. In attendance were close relatives and friends of the bride and groom. It was a beautiful day.

Russ was dedicated to caring for his parents. He made sure all their needs were met. He spent many hours keeping their home safe and in good repair. He was a man of many skills and talents, willing to share his time helping others. He was kind, compassionate and supported the agencies that helped others who suffered unfortunate events. He was happy doing favors for friends and family. He lived by the Golden Rule taught in Sunday school at the Battle Creek Bible Church. In his teens Russ gave his heart and life to the Lord. He did his best to be a good example for others to follow. Russ was loved by so many, will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish precious memories are his mother Dolores Buck Johnson McAllen, His stepfather, Robert McAllen, his wife, Thamary Correa-Johnson, his stepsons, Hector J. Troncoso and Ivan A. Troncoso, Battle Creek, Michigan, her parents Armando Correa and Olfa Santiago, Puerto Rico; Aunt and Uncle Joanne and Thomas Buck of Byron Center, Michigan, Sisters in law; Mayvette (Victor) Howard of Seffner Florida, and Magdaluz Pagan of Elfers, Florida, many cousins too numerous to mention. 

Russ was preceded in death by his father, Frank W. Johnson, grandparents, Arthur and Vergia Buck, Onice and Hjalmar Johnson, great grandparents, Dora Ethel and Olva McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, one may contribute to the American Heart Association or Franklin Graham's Samaritan’s purse. Friends will be received from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A celebration of life will follow visitation at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, 703 Capital Ave. S.W. Battle Creek, Michigan, with the committal service to follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1490 East Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI. Repast at Urbandale Seventh-Day Adventist activity center, 20440 Bedford Rd N Battle Creek, MI.