Paul Johnson was born on March 13, 1930 in Morton, Mississippi to parents Martha Flanagan and Coot Fisher. Paul grew up and attended school in Morton until deciding to enlist in the Army.

Paul was married to Mary Lee Stingley on February 2, 1956. Shortly after their nuptials, the newlyweds moved to McNary, Arizona where they began their life together.

Paul began working at the McNary lumber mill (Southwest Forest Products) where he worked in a variety of positions until the mill burned in 1979. Paul then joined Navajo Country Highway Department as a construction driver. Being required to “move” from McNary, Paul and Mary purchased a lot in Lakeside and moved, (bringing their house with them) from McNary to Lakeside. They remained in their Lakeside home until their death.

Paul was a very warm and outgoing person who quickly developed many friendships and acquaintances. He and Mary became well known around town as an inseparable couple. Together, they enjoy traveling, fishing, gardening, entertaining family/friends and just taking care of the heavily treed 1-acre yard. Paul was the ultimate “handyman” believing he could fix anything.

He was a member and Deacon of the Blooming Grove Baptist Church where he served for over 30 years. Paul passed peacefully from this life at home on Sunday, December 31, 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary.

Paul is mourned and will be missed by a host of Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews other family members, dear friends, acquaintances, and the community of Pinetop Lakeside.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Blooming Grove Baptist Church, 4325 Yuma Dr, Lakeside with a viewing 9:00 A.M. and funeral services to follow at 10:00 A.M. He will be laid to rest in the Lakeside Cemetery next to his beloved Mary.