Robert Lee Johnson

Robert Lee Johnson (Bob Johnson)
Bob came into this world like a firecracker on the 4 th of July in 1958 and went out peacefully with his wife by his
side on November 15, 2022. Bob was born to Laura Mae Johnson and George Edward Nessmith. He was the
youngest of six children. He was raised all over Arizona from Phoenix, Prescott, Monument Valley, Rimrock and
Cottonwood. In his teenage years he lived in Chino Valley with his family working in the corn fields and selling
corn at the roadside stands. In Feb 1978 he married Cathryn Read who he met while living in the Prescott area.
From that marriage he was blessed with two beautiful children a daughter Christina Lee and a son who he passed
his name onto Robert Edward Johnson (bobby) after their marriage ended in 1983 Bob met his soulmate and life
partner Sandra Somers then they were married in Feb 1988. Bob and Sandy were blessed with three beautiful
children, two sons George David Johnson, Kaden Allen Johnson, and a daughter Laura Mae Johnson. Bob loved to
fish. He loved going fishing with his father and brothers when he was younger, and fish was one of his favorite
foods. He worked all over the state of Arizona before settling down with his family in Rimrock in the early 90’s to
help take care of his mother. One job he was very proud of was working on the golf course in Rimrock. He did that
for many years before moving to Alabama with his family, mother, and sister in 2008. He lived in Alabama helping
take care of his mother in her last years of life. When she passed in 2014 Bob worked installing sprinklers systems
before the west called him back. In 2016 he moved to Moab, Utah where he lived and worked until March of 2021
when the desert finally drew his soul home. Over the last year and half, he and Sandy have been living in the
Verde Valley. Bob loved the desert and always called it home. His favorite colors were red, white, and blue. One of
his greatest accomplishments was being sober over 30 years. Bob had big beautiful brown eyes thanks to his
father George Nessmith who was full blooded Choctaw and that made Bob half Choctaw and he passed the brown
eyed gene onto his children and grandchildren. Bob was loved by so many and will be missed greatly. If Bob had
to sum up his life, he would probably quote his favorite song by Steve Miller Band, “I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m
a midnight toker.”
Bob left behind his soulmate Sandy, Daughters Christina Lee Backes and Laura Mae Johnson, sons Robert (bobby)
Johnson, George Johnson, and Kaden Johnson. Two sons-in laws, two daughter-in laws and 10 grandchildren.
Brothers, George Johnson and Jim Nessmith, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Bob was welcomed into death by his mother and father, brother Sam and sisters Sarah and Bonnie and a niece
Theresa.
As per Bobs request, he will be laid to rest in the Middle Verde cemetery, in Camp Verde next to his brother
William (Sam) Johnson.

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