Randal Eli “Jake” Johnson left this world on Friday, November 3, 2023 to join loved ones awaiting him in heaven.
Born July 23, 1989, Jake was preceded in death by his beloved sister Amanda “Manny” L. Johnson, mother Robecca R. (Cunningham) Johnson, father Mark D. Johnson, maternal grandparents Ralph and Lois Cunningham, paternal grandparents Irene and Okey Johnson, uncles Donnie, Lewis, and Charles Johnson, and aunt Helen Johnson. He is survived by his beloved daughter Mandy Kay, his brother Daniel “Boone” Johnson, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.
Jake spent his childhood in Beech Valley, often running the hills with his siblings and playing in the creek that ran next to his Mam Lois Cunningham’s home. This remained a sacred place for him, and later in life he would often return to the home place for solitude and peace. The family later moved to Five Forks where Jake spent his teen years. He excelled in school and graduated from Calhoun County High School in 2007.
As an adult he became a member of the Union of Operating Engineers Local 132, last working driving a dozer with Precision Pipeline. He was well known as a very hard worker.
After the passing of his own parents, Jake found a second family in Jeff and Sandee Church, as well as his closest friend and “brother by choice” Brandon Cottrell. Jake loved to hunt, and work with his hands. In the last year of his life he built a home for Mandy Kay and himself on Henry’s Fork of which he was very proud.
His proudest accomplishment, however, and his greatest joy, was his daughter Mandy Kay whom he lovingly referred to as “Billy Bob.” There was nothing he loved more than tossing around a ball, watching her play sports, going to church or simply spending time together.
Jake leaves a hole in the world. May the Lord bless him and keep him.
