Mr. Donald Johnson, Jr.

On March 26, 1968, in Yonkers, New York, the late Donald Johnson, Sr. and Linna M. Strown Johnson welcomed to the world a gentle baby boy who was given the name Donald Oneal Johnson, Jr. Little did they know the man he would become and impression he would leave behind. Donald accepted Christ at a young age and united with Yonkers Community Baptist Church. He kept the faith and continued serving the Lord when he relocated to Talladega, Alabama and joined St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. E. B. Kelley, whom he admired and maintained a very close relationship with. He believed in God wholeheartedly and maintained his faith in God til the end. Even at his death, his response and favorite quote was "God got me". He received his formal education in the Yonkers School System where he graduated from Yonkers High School and will always be remembered for his outstanding sportsmanship on the basketball court. While residing in Yonkers, Donald was affectionately known as "Donnie", "Big Don", and "Big Nut" to his family and friends. Some of his childhood friends referred to him as "The Yonkers Humble Giant" because of his size. Simply because of his enthusiastic and energetic spirit, Big Don was so easy to love. No matter where he went, he was the life of the party, and everybody loved and respected him. If you ever encountered Big Don, he definitely left an impression that would always make you remember him. He was well known in New York and was a devoted member of the Ruff Ryders. He also was a dear friend and ex-bodyguard to the late Earl "DMX" Simmons. Once relocating to Talladega, Donald started working in construction and soon became the founding owner, operator, and contractor of his very own construction company "Johnson Concrete", which he successfully operated until his health began to decline. Donald met the love of his life, Tanza Johnson, and that meeting began a wonderful lifetime of love that led to the two becoming one when they were united in Holy Matrimony sharing years together of a blessed and sacred marriage and the gift of raising two sons, Dontaevius and Donnie. To his family and friends, Big Don was the true definition of love is what love does! In his free time, Donald spent his time cherishing, loving and entertaining his family and friends, and traveling. He was an absolute icon to many and someone who will always be remembered in the construction industry. His influence over Johnson's Concrete was evident every single day, and his guidance in life with family and friends is impossible to overstate. He will truly miss him more than words can say. In the twilight of our sorrow, we gather to honor the life and celebrate the enduring legacy of our beloved Donald "Big Nut" Johnson. As we bid farewell to [Don], let us remember that [Don] has left an indelible mark upon this world, a testament to the power of a life well-lived. Don's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love. Don touched the hearts of all who crossed his path, leaving behind a tapestry of cherished memories and profound impact. Don actions spoke louder than words, embodying the very essence of integrity and selflessness. Through his acts of generosity and boundless empathy, Big Donnie uplifted the spirits of countless individuals. He was a beacon of hope in times of darkness, offering a guiding light to those in need. His legacy reminds us that even the smallest gestures of kindness can create ripples of joy and transform lives. Beyond the tangible, Big Donnie's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to know him. His wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support will forever echo in our memories, providing solace and strength in times of trial. He taught us the importance of embracing life's joys, weathering its storms, and cherishing the bonds of friendship and family. May we carry forward Donnie "Big Nut" Johnson's legacy with reverence and gratitude, weaving the threads of his values into the fabric of our own lives. Let us honor him by embracing compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of dreams. In doing so, we ensure that his spirit lives on, inspiring future generations to live with purpose, love unconditionally, and leave their own enduring legacies. Today, we mourn the loss of a beloved Husband, father, brother, Friend, but we also celebrate a life that enriched our own. Though we may grieve, let us find solace in knowing that Don "Big Nut" Johnson legacy will continue to shine brightly, illuminating our path and reminding us of the incredible impact one soul can have on the world. As we say our final goodbyes, let us carry Nut's legacy within us, a flame that will never be extinguished. Farewell, dear Big Donnie. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and goodness will forever be cherished in our hearts. **As he always would say "We good Baby! God Got Me! And Indeed He does! Take your rest, Soldier! On Wednesday night, July 12, 2023, Donald Oneal Johnson, Jr. traded his earthly labor for eternal rest when he made his peaceful transition from this 55-year walk of life while serenely resting at his home surrounded by loved ones. As Donald began rejoicing with the angels, he was joined by his father, Donald Johnson, Sr., sisters, Samantha Johnson and Rosland Johnson, and brother-in-law, Curtis Truss. Donal Oneal Johnson, Jr. left a lifetime legacy of love and memories to forever be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of over 27 years, Tanza Johnson, his sons Dontaevius "Dee" Johnson and Donnie Johnson; his mother, Linna Johnson; his sisters, Angela (Thomas) Blackwell and Allene Flores; his granddaughters, Mariah Carmichael and Lyric Johnson; his godchildren, Jasmine Hearn and Kelsey Hearn, and KeShawn Bradford; a life-long friend and son's mother, Jacqueline (Reginald) Coaxum; special niece/daughter, MaTasia Truss; special brothers/comrades, Joaquin "Waah" Dean (CEO/Founder of Ruff Ryders), Lee Earl Green, Dean Clymer, Thomas Blackwell, Arthur " Big Hev" Gallman; close associates including his uncle, Mr. Claude Strown; special aunt/second mother, Lenora Orr; brothers-in-law, Danny (Cecelia) Green, Lee Earl (Racheal) Green and Toney Green; sisters-in-law, Bervina Sims, Dallas (Michael) Truss, Ella (Robert) Pouge, and Jasmon Truss; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Donald Oneal Johnson, Jr. will be missed immensely by all the hearts he has touched and lives he has encountered from Yonkers to Alabama.

Tributes

Mr. Donald Johnson, Jr.

March 26, 1968 - July 12, 2023