Rev. Ronald Bernard (RJ) Johnson

Rev. Ronald Bernard “RJ” Johnson was born on June 8, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Vernon Johnson Sr. and Hattie Mae (Kelley) Johnson-Berryman. He was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1962. After high school, he continued his education and later attended Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Indiana, where he prepared for his calling into ministry. At an early age, “RJ” accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Answering his call, he faithfully served as an ordained minister for over 30 years. He served as an Assistant Minister under the late Pastor James W. Bledsoe of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and assisted other pastors throughout his years of ministry. Reverend Johnson was devoted to teaching and proclaiming the Word of God, supporting the spiritual growth of those around him. In addition to his ministerial service, he was an active member of the United Male Chorus at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshipped and served faithfully alongside his brothers in Christ.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, “RJ” later moved to Ohio in the 1960s, where he worked for Babcock and Wilcox before eventually settling in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In Fort Wayne, he continued his ministry while also dedicating himself to the community. He served as a crossing guard for the Fort Wayne Police Department for six years and later founded and operated Fort Wayne Metro Security, which he managed with diligence and pride for many years until his retirement in the early 2000’s. In January 1980, he was united in marriage to Annie Ruth Johnson until her passing in November 2015.

“RJ” was a man of strong presence and even stronger personality. He was known for his familiar sayings — “I’m serious about the matter,” he would often declare when he meant business. When asked, how he was doing, his usual response was, “Live and let live… what ya think?” Those who knew him knew exactly what that meant. He was authentic, outspoken, and unapologetically himself. Outside of the pulpit, he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, singing a good ole gospel hymn, and a good conversation. If you sat with him long enough, that conversation would turn into stories from his past — stories told in his own animated way, that would have you entertained, laughing, and sometimes shaking your head. He lived life on his own terms, with conviction, character, and a presence you couldn’t ignore.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Lord called His servant home and RJ peacefully departed this earthly life, leaving behind his beautiful family to cherish his memory, sons, Rubbon Johnson, Fort Wayne, IN and Michael (Annie Pearl) Russell, Marion, AL; Daughters Coretta Harris, Columbus, OH, Leslie Nelson, Fort Wayne, IN, and Ashley (Kaleem) Woods, Tempe, AZ; grandchildren: Aaron Goldsby, Akron, OH, Lonnie Beverly Jr, Columbus, OH, Tyrone Baxter, Charlotte, NC, Keotha Billingsley, Selma, AL, and Rhailey Woods, Tempe, AZ; Sister, Dorothy Ann Hardiman, Indianapolis, IN; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss his presence and his laughter. He will be remembered not only for his dedication to ministry and community, but for his warmth, humor, and the stories — told every day and twice on Sundays.

“RJ” was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Johnson Sr. and Hattie Mae (Kelley) Johnson- Berryman; his wife, Annie Ruth Johnson; his brothers Vernon Johnson Jr, Vincent Johnson, and Norman Johnson Sr; his daughter Diane Johnson; and great-granddaughter Amiya Goldsby.

The family of “RJ” extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Parkview PACE and Hospice and Heritage Park Nursing and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care of “RonnieBoo.” Reverend Ronald Bernard “RJ” Johnson will be remembered not only for his dedication to ministry and community but for his warmth, humor, and unforgettable stories told every day and twice on Sundays.

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