Obituaries 27 August 2025

Russell Johnson

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Russell Johnson

Russell Johnson, 87, of Hillsboro, passed away Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.  
 
He was born April 5, 1938 in Hillsboro to Willard L. Johnson and Alice Mae (Hartman) Johnson. 

On Feb. 9, 1962, Russell married Dorothy Sexton, who passed away on Jan. 10, 2025. They traveled life's pathway together for 62 years.
 
Russell was a graduate of Whiteoak High School class of 1956 and attended The Oho State University. He was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). As an avid sheep enthusiast, he traveled across the country exhibiting sheep on the stock show circuit and consigning sales. It was through this interest where he met many lifetime friends across the United States. Russ's love of sheep was well known. Nothing made this shepherd happier than to train children (of any age) to groom and show, including his niece and nephews. As a judge at 4-H shows, he spent an inordinate amount of time working with kids to develop their skills. 

Russ was also a Highland County Fair Board member for over 50 years and a Trustee on the New Market Baptist Cemetery Board.
 
Surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Linda Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and William Edenfield; a sister, Gayle Lindaman; nephew, Mark (Dawn) Edenfield; nephew, Chris Edenfield; niece, Kimberly (Robin) Walker; nephew, Jay Johnson (friend Darlene); nephew, Doug (Jennifer) Johnson & niece, Deanna (Stephen) Livesay. Also left to mourn his passing are great-nephews and great-nieces, Heath Edenfield , Grant (Julie) Edenfield, Seth (Jocelyn) Walker, Quinn (Michael) Manion, LeAnn (Kyle) Mastropasque, Bill Frazer of Hillsboro, Tori (Felix) Catheline, Andrea (Brad) Gilyard, and Elizabeth (Brad) Buckingham; and 14 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
 
In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law,: Pete Lindaman and Maynard Sexton.
 
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 in New Market Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Lloyd Shoemaker officiating. The family requests memorial contributions in Russ' memory be made to the Highland County Senior Fair Board.
 
The Rhoads-Edgington Funeral Home, Hillsboro is serving the family.
 
To sign the online guest book, go to edgingtonfuneralhomes.com.

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Russell Johnson