Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Ronald E. Johnson, 79, of Coatesville, PA, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA.
A life-long resident of Coatesville, he was the son of the late James Ward and Anna Mae Johnson-Denmark. Ronald was the beloved husband of Brenda Surratt Johnson with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Ronald was educated in the Coatesville Area Public Schools. In the early years, he attended the Historical James Adams School and graduated from the S. Horace Scott Senior High School in 1959.
He enlisted in the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged in April of 1969.
Ronald was employed by the Bell Telephone Company as a security officer for 30 years.
Ronald enjoyed taking pictures, especially when he and his wife Brenda went on vacations and cruises. He loved gardening, listening to the Blues music of B.B. King, and watching the old country westerns such as "Rifle Man" and "Hopalong Cassidy". Most of all, he enjoyed spending time playing with his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pop Pop".
Ronald was a member of the Second Baptist Worship Center in Coatesville. He was a jack of all trades. He was known to be a true "alpha male"; if he was in a group of men, he had to be the leader.
Ron was a loving husband and father. He will be deeply missed by his wife Brenda Johnson; daughters: Ronda Johnson of Coatesville, Bonnie and her husband Darren Washington of Thorndale, Anna Johnson of Coatesville, Myra Johnson of Coatesville; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice Carter and husband Frank, of Ambler, PA; one brother, Daniel Denmark and wife Elaine, of Apoka, Fl, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by one son, Roger S. "Yogi Johnson" Stirling; one brother, Peter Ward; and a sister, Audrey Ward.
A committal service with military honors will be planned at a later date.
Condolences may be shared at the guestbook link on this memorial page.
Tribute from a grandson
My grandfather, Ronald Johnson spent his lifetime serving as the greatest model of what it means to be a noble, honorable man. A great leader who was honest and never fell short to stand on his words and beliefs. I am forever grateful for the love and dedication he put into caring for our family.
To my pop pop: I personally thank you for always treating me like your own son and being an upstanding role model for what it truly means to be a man. Teaching me how to take care of my family, money, responsibilities and even myself. I thank you for the many memories, experiences, and lessons you have given me during our time together. I will cherish these, forever.
We all thank you. We all love you. We all hold you in our hearts, pop pop.
Your grandson, Ronald Johnson.
Ron was not only my cousin he was my friend.
When his Obit was posted on the Former & Current Verizon/Bell Telephone FB page, where he and I spent many years of Work, there were 81 comments and 140 likes. I wanted to take a moment a try and capture some of the comments that were meaningful. I was so proud when he would come into my office and I would introduce him "My cousin Ron Johnson, from "Security". Hope it works
Such a great man, so sorry for your loss. Kelley Blount
My condolences, I met Ron when I worked in Downingtown . Lona Dodson
I remember him. Nice man/ Karen Horosky
RIP I will circulate to the Pioneers Debbie Ann Kelly
My condolences to you and your family. I remember Ron he was a very nice person. Renee Ransom-Thimpson
So sorry for your loss. Stopped by and spent some time with Ron last year. We caught up and shared some good memories. He was a good friend. Michael Ayers
I remember him being at our building a few times. Such a good person. I am sorry for your loss. Jay Boyce
OMG. Condolences. Real nice guy. Security. Gave me a lot of good advice. Carol Myambo
Sorry for your loss. I remember him well. Mark Harmstead
Hey, Ron was a good guy! So sorry to hear! Peace be with you Mr. Ron Johnson, You were good to me Ron, way back when I was in the storeroom! Chris Pierson
Condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. I knew Ron when I was the manager of the Coatesville and New Garden garages. He was always very helpful. I do remember that he was a very sharp dresser.
Kathy Woodcock-Cross
Sorry to hear I worked with Ron at Bell. Great guy! When We went to breakfast together at the spots around Coatesville, everyone knew him. Years ago I stopped at his house after he had open heart surgery. He showed me his zipper and heart pillow, and told me all about it. And right now I am 60 days out from my open heart surgery. So I have been thinking of him a lot for the past few months. Wish I could show him my zipper now. Love u Ron. RIP
Ken Poorman
I knew Ron for several years when I worked at the Caln Road garage he had an office there... Nice guy!
Vicki Jamison
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald E. Johnson, please visit our floral store.