Francis Joseph Johnson, a life-long resident of Pensacola, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the age of 88, after a brief illness.

Francis was born on May 8, 1933 to Jesse and Frank Johnson. An only child, Francis attended St. Stephen's School, and St. Bernard's in Cullman, AL, where he graduated in 1951. After graduation, Francis enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Bushnell during the Korean War. During his service, he met Ann Dolores Lobeck, a singer performing at the USO, and their love of music brought them together. They wed in 1954 and began a family which grew to nine children, eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

After leaving the Navy, Francis worked for Chemstrand/Monsanto, a career that spanned 45 years.

Throughout his life, he was engaged in serving the community. Whether as a volunteer at church, the Elks Club, the USO, St. Vincent DePaul, or Sacred Heart Hospital, he always found a way to contribute.

Francis loved to travel, especially to Europe, and he had a special affinity for Paris. He loved seeing Broadway shows, attending FSU football games, skiing, celebrating family milestones and spending time with his family near and far. He especially loved hosting family fish fries, serving his famous pound cake. He was a great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Frank Johnson; wife, Ann Dolores; grandson, Nicholas and his companion, Betty Williams.

Francis is survived by his children, Patricia Marchione (Joseph), Kenny, Stephen, Susan Emmanuel (Stephen), Larry Johnson (Darla), Theresa Bruno (Anthony), William Johnson (Linda), Kathy Hood (Brad) and Chris Johnson (Cathy).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Allegra (Austin), Michael (Jordan), Rachel, Tyler (Jessica), Christopher (Elizabeth), Kevin, Sarah (Austin), Emily, Marissa (Courtney), Gabriella, Alicia, Andrew, Anna-Kate, Meredith, Lucas, Jake, Josh and great-grandchildren, Eli, Chloe, Hal, Jace and Brooks, along with many nieces, nephews.

The family thanks the caregivers who made his days more comfortable.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to USO Northwest Florida (northwestflorida.uso.org).