Randy Johnson's Obituary
Randy Johnson, age 67, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville, surrounded by the love of his family and the legacy of a life built on faith, family, and hard work.
Born on February 16, 1959, in Centerville, Randy was the son of Louis Allen Johnson and Karen Roberta (Jenkins) Johnson. He graduated with the Centerville High School Class of 1977 and carried the values he learned growing up-honesty, determination, and compassion-through every chapter of his life.
On November 19, 1994, Randy married the love of his life, Maggey Stephens, in Centerville. Together they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering support as they raised their three daughters, Alexis, Tiffany, and Kimmie. Being a husband and father was Randy's greatest joy. He was the ultimate "girl dad," never missing an opportunity to celebrate his daughters' accomplishments. Whether it was graduations, weddings, the birth of his grandchild, or, most recently, watching Kimmie earn the title of Appanoose County Fair Queen just days before his passing, Randy's pride in his girls was immeasurable. He continued this pride with his granddaughter, Claire.
The Johnson family name has long been synonymous with dedication and perseverance in Appanoose County. In the summer of 1951, Randy's grandfather, Edgar Johnson, founded Johnson Moving Company and Johnson Furniture with little more than determination and his last $60. Randy's father, Louis, carried that vision into the second generation, and in 1999 Randy proudly accepted the responsibility of leading the moving division of the family business. Together, Louis and Randy accomplished something few family businesses ever achieve-successfully passing the business into its third generation. Randy often joked about being one of the "one-percenters," but beneath the humor was an immense sense of pride in the hardworking crew he considered family and in the business that had become his life's work.
Within the trucking and automotive community, Randy was affectionately known as "Road King," a nickname he wore with quiet pride. It wasn't a title that was given-it was earned through decades of hard work, dependability, and the respect of fellow truckers, customers, and friends. Whether he was behind the wheel, coordinating a move, or lending a helping hand, "Road King" became synonymous with integrity, experience, and a willingness to go the extra mile. To those who knew him best, the nickname represented more than the roads he traveled-it reflected the kind of man he was: steady, respected, and always there when someone needed him.
Outside of work, Randy treasured life's simple pleasures. He had a lifelong passion for collecting coins, amassing a collection that brought him endless enjoyment. He looked forward to trips to Orlando and visits to Walt Disney World, never turned down a bowl of ice cream, and found peace caring for livestock and keeping his yard meticulously mowed. More than anything, he cherished family time, believing there was no greater blessing than gathering with those he loved.
Randy's greatest foundation, however, was his faith. He was a devoted member of the Solid Rock Church of God, where he faithfully served, worshipped, and shared his love for Jesus with those around him. His quiet kindness, generous heart, and willingness to help anyone in need reflected the faith he lived every day. Randy had a heart of gold, and countless people were blessed by his compassion, encouragement, and genuine care for others.
Those left to honor Randy's memory are his wife of almost 32 years, Maggey Johnson; his children, Alexis (Zach) Bogle, Tiffany Johnson (Spencer Boots), and Kimmie Johnson (Cade Climie); his granddaughter, Claire Marie Bogle; his father, Louis (Marilyn) Johnson; his siblings, Roxanne (Andre) Pemoulie, Rochelle (Marty) DeVore, and Ranae (Tim) McGrann; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Karen Roberta Johnson; and his grandparents, Wilma and Edgar Johnson and Earle and Grace Jenkins.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Solid Rock Church of God in Centerville, with Pastor Tony Angran officiating. Visitation will take place Friday, August 7, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Memorials in honor of Randy have been established to Maggey Johnson, to be designated at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Johnson Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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