Keith Ray Johnson, 72, passed on December 1, in Abilene. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Anna Johnson, and brother, Jimmy Johnson all of Alpine. Survivors include sons; Kade Johnson and wife Kara Johnson, Shank Davis and Kaitlyn Gaston, brother George Johnson and wife Sally, and sister, Joan Johnson of Alpine. He is also survived by his grandchildren Koy Johnson, Koeker Johnson, Kallahan Johnson, Kreed Davis, and Graeson Davis plus numerous nephews and nieces including Jami and Cody Carpenter of Driftwood, James and Reagan Johnson of Brady, Marti and Anthony Luparello of Waco, Jessi Johnson and Michael Calderon of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan plus numerous great nieces and nephews.

Keith grew up in Alpine, graduating from Alpine High School in 1969. While growing up in Brewster County, he was involved in ranch work, stock shows, livestock judging, and all FFA and 4-H activities. He went to Sul Ross State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Range Animal Science in 1974. He moved to Nolan County in 1975 to work for Dr. T. D. Young’s Ranch as manager. These responsibilities soon extended to Dr. Young’s farming operations and all of the day-to-day functions of a large ranch in Nolan County. His passions were good horses and all things agriculture and outdoors.

He always enjoyed a cold beer and dancing to classic western swing music. Keith was an active member of the Sul Ross State University ANRS and Rodeo Exes Association, participating in various fundraisers, including team roping, golf tournaments, and the social hour at the Crystal and always enjoying the comradery and friendship by all the Exes.

Keith was an active supporter of all the Highland ISD student activities with both his boys and later his grandchildren, involved in Highland sports booster clubs, local stock show associations, and rodeo clubs. His enjoyment came from all family activities and get-togethers especially while cooking for all his family and friends. He loved to cook for crowds of students at Highland ISD whether it was fideo, bar-b-que, or hamburgers at Highland football games. He acquired a large collection of antique cast iron pots and pans for this purpose. Memorial graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9 at Champion Cemetery with longtime friend Mike Pattillo officiating. A family and friend’s visitation was held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highland ISD Ag Boosters, PO Box 156, Roscoe, TX 79545, or Venmo account @HighlandAg-BoosterClub.