Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Estelle & William Johnson; his beloved grandmother and matriarch of the family, Lillie Bodell; along with his uncle and mentor, Herbert Bodell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Robin; sons, Stephen (Rhonda) Johnson and Scott Daniel Johnson; two daughters, Mandy (Shane) Tropf and Katie Green; one brother William (Chantal) Johnson; sisters, Myrna Gillespie and Sandra (Rodger) Caldwell; three granddaughters, Ellen and Evelyn Johnson and his buddy, Lillie Kate Green. Kenny was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and a friend to everyone.
He was born on June 20, 1944 in San Angelo, Texas and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He graduated in 1962 from Jonesboro High School and was a member of the 1962 Hurricane's State Basketball Championship team. He was the most valuable player in the State Allstar Game. He was a 1966 graduate of Hendrix College, attending on a basketball scholarship playing all four years and winning numerous AIC awards. Kenny was inducted into Hendrix's Hall of Honor in 2018. After college, he attended the University of Arkansas Law School and graduate in 1969 with a Juris Doctorate degree.
Kenny began his law career in Pine Bluff with the law firm of Dickey & Drake. As his career developed, he moved to Dumas, Arkansas and joined the firm of Marion Gill. During his tenure as attorney, he was City Attorney of Dumas for 14 years along and serving as a member of the State Law Examiners. The vast majority of his practice was throughout Southeast Arkansas, but tried cases all over Arkansas along with the U.S. District Court and United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. After a fulfilled law career, Kenny was elected to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, 2nd Division for two consecutive terms as well as the administrative law judge for the district.
He will be remembered as one of Arkansas's most respected criminal defense attorney's, Family Law Judges for the 10th District 2nd Division, golfer, outdoorsman, but mainly, as a Man of Honor.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:00 am. The service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Monticello, Arkansas with a reception following in the life center.
He truly believed in the justice system and that every person should deserves a Second Chance, therefore, memorials can be made in his memory to EXODUS.LIFE, 3700 A W. 65th Street, Little Rock, 72205 or to the Arkansas Hospice in Monticello or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences(34)
Janet Triplitt Freed
Hazel Crest, IL Thursday, October 24, 2019 I went to Jonesboro High School and a friend of Sandra.My deepest condolences to the Johnson Family.
Kenny had a life well lived.
Richard J. Orintas
Little Rock, AR Sunday, October 20, 2019 Kenny and I were classmates at the University of Arkansas School of Law. He was a great Lawyer and Judge. May our Lord welcome him to Heaven and may he rest in peace...Jimmy Sims
Crossett, AR Saturday, October 19, 2019 I am truly sorry to hear of your passing. It has been by honor to work with you, fish with you and call you my friend. A finer man I have never met in my 73 years on this earth. Rest in peace and love. Prayers for your family and friends.Cheryle and Victor Johnson
Dumas, AR Friday, October 18, 2019 Our prayers and condolences goes out to the family of B Kenny Johnson. He was a man of Honor and integrity. Well known and respected. He will truly be missed.Sharon Hicks
Monticello, AR Friday, October 18, 2019 Thank you Judge for your service.I'm sending my condolences to your family!!
horace fikes, jr
Maumelle, AR Friday, October 18, 2019 Kenny and I were classmates in law school. Excellent judge and attorney, but he was a better friend. Kenny was always available to convey wise words and helpful advice Prayers to all who loved him.Gail Dunlap Sowell
Jonesboro, AR Friday, October 18, 2019 My deepest sympathy to Sandra and Myrna in the loss of your brother, Kenny. Special thoughts to his family. Gail Dunlap SowellAlesa Garner
Little Rock, AR Friday, October 18, 2019 My thoughts and prayers. I so enjoyed our conversations even on those down days. May God’s peace surround your hearts.Sandra Starnes
Little Rock, AR Thursday, October 17, 2019 I subbed in his courtroom for his court reporter several times. Judge Johnson was always very polite, accommodating, and professional. I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.Gilbert Rainey
Jonesboro, AR Thursday, October 17, 2019 Dear Robin and family, Jan and I are heart broken to learn of Kenny's death. We pray for our Lord's peace to be upon you and all your family and friends. May God's face shine upon you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding.Love,
Gilbert and Jan Rainey
Jim Mc Larty
Newport, AR Thursday, October 17, 2019 We served together on child support committee.I enjoyed our friendship.
He was the real deal.
Our state has been well served by his good efforts.
Jim Mc Larty, Atty.
Honey Hayden
Fort Smith, AR Thursday, October 17, 2019 Good guy someone to have in your corner when in a legal issue, he will be missed by many. Thank you.james & deloris jackson
pine bluff, AR Wednesday, October 16, 2019 I server on the city council at dumas,while keneth was city atty.Martha Dupwe Stafford
Jonesboro, AR Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Kenny was in my graduating class he will be missed greatly by all that knew him. Prayers for all the family.Emily Moseley
Warren, AR Wednesday, October 16, 2019 So sorry for your loss He was a special person and will be missedBobette Callahan
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 I am very sorry for your loss and the loss to the whole10th Judicial District. Judge Johnson was truly an amazing man
and judge. My prayers are with you all.
Bobette Callahan
Robin Wynne
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Kenny was a true gentleman. His demeanor in court showed his respect for his judicial position as well as to the attorneys in the courtroom. He was a great competitor, and I especially enjoyed playing golf with him. He will be missed.Robin Wynne
Kirk Johnson
Texarkana, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 It was with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Ken. Our prayers are with the family at this time. He will be remembered as a fair and diligent judge who was well respected by the judges who knew him well.Sue Misho
Crossett, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 I am so sorry to hear this about Mr. Kenny....He was such a great man, fair, honest and believed in justice. My prayers to the family. May God Bless you during this difficult time.Sue
Nicholas Mazzanti
Lake Village, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 I had the pleasure of meeting this man on several occasions in and outside a court room...he really was a great and honorable judge. Rest in peace your honor you deserve itMichael Gibbs
Conway, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Honored to call Kenny a friend.Jeremy Ewell
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Mr. Kenny was a great customer of mine and it was a honor to get to know him over the years. Family you are in my prayers.Carol Harper
Stuart, FL Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Mike and I are keeping you Robin, and your family in our prayers 🙏Kim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Robin and family,We are so very sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing.
He was one of the great ones and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Please accept our deepest condolences and know we are praying God gives you comfort and peace. With love, David and Kim
Barbara Wright Langhammer
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 My favorite Judge and someone I have known all my life. To say will miss him an understatement. What a fine man and Judge he was. Prayers for all!!Rick & Nancy Anders
Warren, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 We were so sad to hear of Kenny’s passing! He was a good and kind man! We are sending prayers for his family!Susan Stephenson Smith
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Robin and family, my prayers are with all of you. Kenny was loved by many. God bless all of you in the days ahead.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Robin,I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was an honorable man who truly helped so many. May God surround you with his loving arms to give you peace and comfort.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
Mary Whiting
Monticello, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Thoughts and prayers for Kenny's family during this difficult time. May you feel the presence of the Lord With you.Bill and Mary Whiting
Jimmy Sims
Crossett, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Prayers for the family and friends. I was honored to call you my friend. Rest in peace knowing you were loved by many.Cathy Evans
Hamburg, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Robin so sorry for your lossJames Barron
Monticello, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Prayers and Thoughts are with the family 🙏🙏Beth Davis
Monticello, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Robin, my thoughts and prayers are with you.Jim Glennon
Possum Valley, AR Monday, October 14, 2019 Peace and comfort to the family. Strength to deal with the loss of a good man.