Ben Johnson, III

Ben Johnson, III passed away peacefully at his home on October 21, 2020. Mr. Ben, as he was known, was born on December 24, 1925 to Sadie Prothro Johnson and Walter Fair Johnson, Sr. at Cottage Grove Plantation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jen Rives Johnson, his brother, Walter Fair Johnson, Jr. and his nephew, Richard T. Johnson. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Mary V. Gibbs and son-in-law Troy; his nephew, Walter Fair Johnson, III and numerous great nieces and nephews. Mr. Ben attended Byrd High School and continued on to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1947. He served 4 years on a Navy destroyer in the Korean War. He was married 43 years to Jen Rives Johnson, and they had one child, Mary V. Gibbs and husband Troy. Mr. Ben worked in the family syrup and grocery business before working for Nabors Drilling as a geologist for 27 years. He was a cattleman, timberman, and landman in DeSoto and Sabine Parishes for many years. Mr. Ben, along with many other dedicated citizens of the Parish, started Central School in Grand Cane in 1967 serving as president of the board for 8 years. He served as a deacon at Southside Baptist Church for many years. He was an active member of many community organizations. Mr. Ben's favorite pastime was bird hunting with his favorite family, friends, and dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Northeastern Baptist College, P.O. Box 4600, Bennington, VT 05201, County Line Baptist Church, Friends of India Ministry, 8CR600, Walnut, MS 38683 or a charity of your choice. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all services will be private. Mr. Ben will be buried at Mansfield Cemetery.