Lincoln Clemon Johnson, Jr

Lincoln Clemon Johnson was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, on April 19, 1934, and he departed this life on April 1, 2025, at the age of 90. He was the firstborn child of the late Mr. Lincoln C. Johnson Sr. and Mrs. Mattie Louise Johnson (née Thirkill). Growing up, he cherished the time spent with his younger brother, Allen, affectionately nicknamed “Cuckoo,” and his first cousins, Willie

Arthur Johnson (nicknamed “Boochie”) and John Edward Johnson (nicknamed “Samp”). Together, they formed a lively and comical brotherhood, and many lovingly referred to him as “Smokey.”

However, most who knew him well called him “LC” or sometimes “Linc.” Lincoln received his formative education at Trenholm High School, graduating with the class of 1952. After high school, he briefly attended Alabama State University, where he played football for the Hornets. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Army during what he referred to as the “Korean Conflict.” Lincoln served honorably in the US Army as a paratrooper in the Airborne Division and received an honorable discharge. Despite his valor and dignity, he faced the harsh reality of second-class citizenship upon returning home.

Proudly wearing his uniform, he attempted to buy a meal at a downtown restaurant in Tuscumbia, only to be directed to the back door, where he was handed a baloney sandwich and forced to eat on the sidewalk. Throughout it all, he never harbored bitterness or anger, remaining proud of his service to this nation.

Throughout his life, Lincoln held various jobs. He often shared stories of his time at Nash Automotive in Waukegan, Illinois, and later drove semi-trucks as one of his first roles at TVA. Remarkably, he once drove a semi hauling a helicopter from Alabama to Arizona. Over his 35 years with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Lincoln worked at the Colbert Steam Plant, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, and ultimately served as a Public Safety Officer on the Wilson Dam Reservation, where he was cross-trained and certified as both a federal police officer and a fireman. As a TVA officer, he proudly served as a tour guide for the Wilson Dam Lock System, offering tours and lectures to school children fascinated by the dam’s hydroelectric system and immense power. He was also an active member of the local Fraternal Order of Police.

In 1962, LC began visiting Courtland, Alabama, with his cousin and friend, George Davis. There, he met a beautiful young schoolteacher named Margaret Ann Miller. After courting for some time and heroically rescuing Margaret’s brother from a life-threatening episode of anaphylactic shock, he won her heart. He traveled to Bessemer, Alabama, to ask for Margaret’s hand in marriage.

Despite the formidable Mrs. Lottie Miller’s initial rebuff, telling him to return home, Lincoln’s persistence led to nearly 62 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life. From this blessed union, two children were born: a son, Kevin Lewis, followed by a daughter, Edrice Nichelle, affectionately known as ‘Nikki.’ As a family, they enjoyed swimming, traveling, and camping. When not working double shifts at TVA, LC spent countless hours tending to his yard, cutting grass, and tinkering in his garage. One of his most treasured possessions was his antique John Deere mower, which he meticulously maintained. A couple of years ago, the local Tri Green John Deere Tractor Supply company refurbished his old lawn mower to like-new condition. It was placed on display for a few weeks inside the store in honor of his patronage as a long-standing and valued customer.

During his retirement, Lincoln remained active and engaged. He was a proud Trenholm Wildcat and participated in the Trenholm High School reunion committee and choir. He served on the executive committee, the souvenir book committee, and as a class representative for the class of 1952. Alongside his good buddies, Fred Freeman and Roland Dawson, he started an interior house painting service. Lincoln also collaborated and laughed with his friend Ollie Underwood as contractor custodians for First Metro Bank. He truly loved laughing, joking and talking with all his sweet neighbors and friends in Aycock Acres.

Throughout his life, Lincoln was an active member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Tuscumbia serving on the Deacon Board and as a Trustee of the Building Fund. For many years, he sang in the Brotherhood Male Chorus and the Mass Choir, and he was involved in mission and jail ministry. Lincoln C. Johnson Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother Lt. Col. Allen Louis Johnson; son, Kevin Lewis Johnson, Sr.; beloved aunt and uncle, Paul E. and Sallie Mae Johnson; and his in-laws Lewis G. and Lottie M. Miller.

His memory is lovingly cherished by his devoted wife, Margaret Ann Miller Johnson; daughter, Edrice Nichelle Johnson Bynum (Danny); daughter-in- law, LaQwanda Johnson; grandson, Kevin Lewis Johnson, Jr.; sister-in-law, Janie Strickland Johnson (Los Angeles, California); niece, Joy Lynn Johnson Taylor (Robert); nephew, Jeffery Lincoln Johnson (Evelyn Herrera); special first cousins, Willie Arthur and Penelope Johnson; great nieces; many “adopted” daughters and sons; and his extended family of cousins and special friends.

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