Mr. Ronald “Popcorn” Johnson, age 78 of LaFollette passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025. Whether you knew him as “Popcorn”, Ron, Ronnie, or Ronald, his greeting of “Whattya say?” or the extended “Heyyy!” always brought a smile to your face.

His natural habitat was being on the lake or in the woods (unless he was at Big O’s or the Sports Shop). Ronnie spent many hours fishing with his friends, which led to him creating his very own line of fishing lures under the unique business name “Cripple Johnson” Fishing Lures.

His entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t limited to fishing; Ron had a knack for bringing joy to others through snacks, which began the legend of “Popcorn Johnson”.

Among his prouder moments was his baptism and membership of New Horizon Baptist Church, where his joyful demeanor met you at the front door.

Laughter followed him everywhere, including a particularly memorable story featuring two ministers during a revival. When the late Rev. Jim Wilcox requested Ron to take the ministers fishing in his boat, the boat sprang a leak. Only in Ronnie’s words recalling the story: “One went to dipping water and the other one went to praying!”

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Johnson, parents, Clyde and Beatrice (Turner) Johnson, and sister, Barbara (Johnson) Baird.

He leaves behind his sisters, Jualean Broyles, who he affectionately called “Baby”, and Clercie Johnson; brother, Leon Johnson and wife, Barbara; long-time dear friends, Gary Carroll and Eddie Gray; and numerous other extended family members and friends, too many to mention.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at New Horizon Baptist Church with funeral services to be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. Chris Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Fincastle Cemetery. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Ronald Johnson.

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