Robert Allen "Bob" Johnson

Robert Allen “Bob” Johnson, 84, resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Gardens of Poplar Estates.

Born in Thomas Hill, Missouri, on March 24, 1942, Bob was the son of the late George Robert Johnson and Virginia Lou Bowen Johnson. He graduated from Westran High School in Huntsville, Missouri, before earning his bachelor’s degree from Northeast Missouri State University. An accomplished athlete, Bob played collegiate basketball under legendary coach “Cotton” Fritz Simmons and played rookie baseball in Elmira, New York within the Pirates organization.

On July 17, 1966, Bob married his beloved wife, Sandra Alice Turner Johnson. Together, they shared a loving marriage for more than 60 years and created a lifetime of cherished memories as they made their home in Illinois, Connecticut and Washington D.C. before finally settling in Tennessee.

As a Certified Public Accountant, Bob built a distinguished career marked by dedication and leadership. He worked tirelessly as a Regional Manager for Aetna Life Insurance, served as Vice President of Reimbursement for Manor Care Inc., and ultimately retired as Chief Financial Officer for Jewish Social Services of America (JSSA). In addition to his professional achievements, Bob proudly served his nation in the National Guard.

While living in Silver Spring, MD, Bob served as both a deacon and an elder at Silver Spring Church of Christ, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his faith and church family. After settling in Columbia, he remained active in the community, participating at the local Senior Center and volunteering with the West 7th Street Church of Christ food pantry, where he enjoyed fellowship and the company of others. Known for his generous heart and desire to serve others, Bob and Sandra volunteered with The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Office in Columbia TN, guiding senior citizens through the complex process of obtaining Medicare benefits. Among his greatest joys was playing golf and creating the treasured memories that his family will forever hold dear.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sandra Turner Johnson of Columbia, TN; his three children: Rob (Jenny) Johnson of Columbia, TN, Michael (Diana) Johnson of Portland, OR, and Holly (Matthew) Thomas of Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren: Zachary (Lauren) Johnson, Robert Zane (Eden) Johnson, Zoe (Dawson) Carter, and Corinne Johnson; and two great-grandchildren: Bradley Johnson and Grayson Johnson.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Ginger Clarke.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Randy Owens officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the West 7th Church Of Christ youth program (https://w7church.org/give).