Henry Johnson, Jr., 79, of Sparta, Tennessee, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta. He was born on Sunday, August 25, 1946, in Smithville, Tennessee, to the late Henry Virble Johnson Sr. and Alma Rose Norton Johnson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dwight Winnett.
Junior is survived by his wife of 59 years, Brenda Johnson. Also surviving are his sister, Gayle Winnett; his nephew, Stephen Winnett; and his great-nephew, Issac Winnett, along with many cousins and extended family members.
Henry, fondly known as "Junior" to everyone who knew him, lived a life defined by kindness, deep generosity, and a deep love for nature. Above all, he loved his family fiercely and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was quick with a joke and took the time to invest in and mentor those around him, whether they were younger relatives and acquaintances or his employees.
An avid outdoorsman, Junior found life's greatest pleasure while hunting, fishing, or spending time with family and friends at his cabin on the Caney Fork River. After working several years on Mallory, he started his own company, Johnson & Johnson Construction, which he owned and operated for 34 years. He was a long-time member of the Sparta Free Will Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Sparta Free Will Baptist Church from 1-4 PM with the service to follow at 4 PM. Craig Mahler will officiate. Interment will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery Monday, July 20, 2026, at 3 PM.
To sign the online guest book or to send the family a message, please visit www.oaklawnmemorial.com.
