Mr. Johnson
Paul Vann Johnson of Rockdale passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 66.
Born to Will iam J. and Ruth Johnson of Rockdale, Paul was well known for his love of cooking and especially remembered for his famous peanut brittle.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation and to share memories with the family from 12-noon to 1 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Following the service, everyone is welcome to join the family for light refreshments and continued fellowship at the VFW Hall.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, ‘Dot’ Emshoff of Calvert.
Paul is survived by his wife, Rita Johnson of Rockdale; stepdaughter Kelly Smith of San Antonio; brother W. Lee (Diana) Johnson of Dime Box; nephew Keith (Monica) Johnson of Georgetown; uncle Billy Gouger of Rockdale; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Paul dedicated much of his time to volunteering with various organizations in the city where he was born and raised.
He spent three years as Rocky the Tiger mascot at Rockdale High School, along with his side-kick nephew Keith.
Paul was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6525, and he served as a member of the MARC board for several years.
He also held a seat on the Rockdale Fair board, was Chair of the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo BBQ Cookoff, and served as the director of the Rockdale Housing Authority.
He utilized his cooking skills for many benefits, family reunions and fund-raisers. His peanut brittle raised many dollars for these events.
When he wasn’t volunteering or cooking, Paul loved to do carpentry work in his shop/ man cave.
He also enjoyed painting, gardening, playing the piano and collecting antiques.
He could often be found on a dance floor on any Friday or Saturday night. He and his wife enjoyed many community festivals across the state.
Paul was also known as a local historian who knew everyone in the area and their family tree, and that knowledge will be sorely missed.