Merv W. Johnson, Jr.

Merv, a Thursday child, was born March 18th, 1948.He was the fifth of seven kids. Childhood was rough, moving schools every other year or so. Merv went into the woods every day after school to hunt squirrels, rabbits, deer, and the likes with his Red Ryder BB gun. He graduated from New Albany High School in Indiana. Later he attended a few semesters of Bible College. 

He was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War with the US ARMY Scout Dog Platoon. He and “Mr. Buck,” his partner, took point for his brothers. He met his first wife Angie in Hong Kong. Their son Mike was born in 1972. 

Merv’s stepdad, Jerry, introduced him to the Pipe Fitter’s Union in Indiana.  He quickly mastered his craft, earning his “Golden Arm.” 

Merv and his wife Susi first met at Cadillac Ranch in Chicago. He was a well-practiced, smooth, and sexy dancer. He asked Susi to dance, and they both found themselves swept off their feet within months. He made certain that his voice was the first and last Susi heard every day and night. They were married in 2007, their daughter Sophia was born two years later in 2009.  A life of powerful love full of laughs, wonders, and happiness have made each and every moment all the more priceless. 

As most everyone knows he started his planned retirement, here in Tennessee, of full-time fishing and never looked back. Merv never did anything in a half assed manner. He developed and perfected his boating and fishing knowledge in such a way that he became a well-respected, trusted, and admired member of the fishing community. In his down time, he enjoyed cooking and grilling and could give any master chef a run for their money. He was a skilled huntsman with a bow, muzzleloader, and rifle. Merv kept us entertained with his FaceBook banter and delicious food photos. He spent good times yard sale shopping, reading, and collecting “fantastic” kitchen gadgets. 

Merv’s family was always fiercely protective and loved by him. He was a deeply proud father with a firm yet quietly tender understanding. Merv made sure to encourage and support his son and daughter, Sophia as much as possible and showed his unwavering love and confidence. 

His magnetic and vibrant personality attracted friends from all directions. He helped anyone in need and was easily ready to share a great story with every fine detail illustrated with his clever wit, outrageous chuckles, and sometimes heart wrenching truths. His many friends express very similar sentiments of great conversations, excellent guidance in countless skill sets, and always the love for his large and electric laugh.

The void and emptiness that is tearing at our hearts is the price we each are paying for the incredible opportunity and blessing to know and love this man. Merv has forever changed each of us and truly for the better. 

We thank you Merv! We miss you terribly! We love you always with all our hearts! 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 5pm-7pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will begin at 7pm in the Chapel at the funeral home.