of Bryant, AR
November 26, 1921 - March 2, 2013
James Patterson "Pete" Johnson Jr., 91, of Benton, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, March 2, 2013. As a faithful Christian and lifelong Democrat, he was known to many as an All-State basketball player, tomato farmer, milk man, horseman, restaurant owner, cattle rancher and company fleet manager.
Born November 26, 1921 in Jersey, Arkansas, to a Methodist family which included eight siblings, he was raised on a large tomato farm in Bradley County and was an All-State high school basketball player. After marrying the love of his life, Beth Armstrong, they moved to San Francisco where he served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. After the great war, they settled down in Southwest Little Rock where he took a job as a milk man for Borden Dairy. While raising their only son Jamey, they moved to Benton where he picked up his love of horses and later opened up one of the first restaurants in the growing town, serving up Johnson family recipe staples such as fried catfish and home-grown tomatoes. With his wife Beth working the cash register while he tended to the kitchen, they made a great team. With Beth's impending blindness, he wanted a simpler life for her, so he purchased a cattle ranch outside of Hot Springs, along with a rifle, on a whim from a restaurant customer, and moved there for over a decade. After having grandchildren, he and Beth moved back to Benton to be closer to them, where they were members of First Baptist Church and he took a job at a growing heating and air conditioning company called Middleton. After retiring in 2002, he was the sole caretaker for Beth and spent his spare time growing tomatoes, trail riding and cheering on the Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. In 2011, he was featured as the KATV Person of the Week for his family's efforts in establishing the tomato industry in AR.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Bethel Armstrong Johnson (2008); his parents James Patterson Johnson, Sr. and Annie Irene Anders; brothers, Joe, Sam, Carl, Jesse, Rob and sister Mable. He is survived by his son Jamey Armstrong Johnson of Bryant; two grandsons Jordan Patterson Johnson, Sr. and wife Angie of Little Rock and Jarrod Armstrong Johnson of Little Rock; two great grandsons Jordan Patterson, Jr. (6), Keeton Myers (3) and one great-granddaughter Staley Catherine (9 mos); sisters Francis "Hank" Holderfield of Hot Springs and Mary Lee of North Little Rock.
Pete was a long-time member of the Ventures Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Dr. Richard Grant officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.
Visitation will be from 6:00 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Benton, 211 South Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.
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14 Condolence(s)
Kathy & Olan King
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Jamey - so sorry to hear about your dad. I didn't know about it until today. Your dad was a sweet man and he took such good care of your mom. They are no doubt enjoying a happy reunion. So blessed to have gotten to know him after coming to FBC. You will be in our prayers
Paul Breitweiser
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I guess I'm the last of my family to have interacted with Pete over many years. I recall him delivering Borden milk to the B&B Grocery, and we made many deliveries to the restaurant. I enjoyed many meals with my parents at Pete's. He was always so friendly and glad to see you. We'll miss him. My condolences to Jamey and all the family.
Jim & Linda Davis
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Jamey and family -- We were saddened to learn Mr. Johnson had passed away. He was always so interesting to visit. He and Mrs. Johnson were very proud of their family. It is difficult to lose a loved one, but the good memories will keep Mr. Johnson close.
Randy and Rene Johnson
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Uncle Pete rest in peace. We will miss your big smile and laughter at the family reunions. May you have a joyous family reunion in heaven. You will be dearly missed by all here. We love you Uncle Pete may God bless you and your family.
Tony & Franz Oliver
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Mr. Jamey,
The loss of your father is painful, and it is very difficult to come through such times. Keep faith in God, and he shall pour his love and care on you. You will be in our prayers. Take care.
Susan Crane
Monday, March 4, 2013
I remember being at Grandmother and Granddaddy's (Madge and Carl) house and you all would come by on your way home from somewhere and the grown ups would sit and talk....unless it was basketball season and Arkansas was playing. You did not want to be the child that ran in between Uncle Pete and the TV. I will miss you Uncle Pete. Prayers and condolences to Jamey and the family.
Stuart Graham
Monday, March 4, 2013
Every family reunion Pete use to tell me stories about the old days in Bradley county, how he drove to KC delivering tomatoes.. Once we visited him at his house when I was younger and he was still working in his late 70' s and had a garden in his back yard. Dad asked, "Pete, why you still working?" He said, Wade, Social Security aint gonna be here forever!" I will never forget it!
Stuart
Jimmy, Ashley, and Brooklynn Parker
Monday, March 4, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Johnson family.
Jesse
Monday, March 4, 2013
Uncle Pete will be missed by all of us Johnson's. He was always ready to talk to us youngsters and listen to us. He was the youngest brothers of the Johnson boys!! Rest in Peace///11
Louise Starling
Monday, March 4, 2013
My deepest symphathy. I remember lots of fun times as a child going to Uncle Pete's with Virginia and Jesse. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jamey, and your family.
Mike Pennington
Monday, March 4, 2013
Uncle Pete: I only knew you when I started attending the famous Johnson reunions sometime in the early 70's. You were always fun to be around and always had a smile on your face. You have left a great legacy that anyone would be proud of. Miss you.
Mike
Wade Graham
Monday, March 4, 2013
Uncle Pete was the youngest brother of my Johnson uncles. I could always talk to him and he was really interested in most anything Arkansas. Very patient and kind. You could always, always get a great smile out of Uncle Pete.
Zach and Cynthia Taylor
Sunday, March 3, 2013
We never had the chance to meet Pete, but he raised one of the best sons around. We love you, Jamey and are so sorry for your loss.
Sam & Rita Johnson
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Uncle Pete was a favorite! From the milk truck to horses, he will be remembered. But he will be remembered most because he was just one of the best Johnson's.
Thanks Uncle Pete!