Thomas “Dale” Johnson Sr., 87, of Waveland, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Dale had an incredible artistic gift and compassion for his work in the marble and stone industry and a fantastic knowledge of construction on very large scales. He was extremely proud to have worked on the White House entrance columns being replaced and monumentally moving them to Arlington Cemetery. His pride was overwhelmingly exciting to witness when he spoke of his job. His passion for the large jobs such as One Shell Square, the New Orleans Hilton, LL&E, Hyatt Regency in New Orleans was just as exciting to him as his work was as an apprentice just starting in his craft when he worked on the alter of the famous church of Sacred Heart, Louis Armstrong “Sachamo’s” baptismal place. Weather the job was large or small, bathroom floor or massive tall marble and stone buildings, his passion and skill was always equally important to him for the job. He was a perfectionist in his work & well known for his talent. It gave him great pride to have had the pleasure of working with his brothers on some of his jobs. He was a proud Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered many service hours along with his brother Knights. He loved his late wife, Marjorie “Merline” Allday Johnson and longed for the day to be united together again. Together they were incredible dancers, may they dance together in heaven. May he Rest in Peace.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, William Sylvester Johnson Sr. and Eleida Chandler Johnson; wife, Marjorie Merline Allday Johnson; brother, William Sylvester Johnson Jr.; and sister, Glenda Johnson Schneider.
He is survived by five children, Debra Johnson Theall (Bobby), Cynthia Johnson, Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson Renz (Late, Donald S. Renz, Sr), Thomas Dale Johnson Jr, and Rhonda Johnson Lane (John); nine grandchildren, Chantel Mehrtens (Justin), Michelle Landeche, Archie Arnouville, Lauren Renz Hunt (Casey), Donald “Donnie” S. Renz, Jr. (Alexa), Andrew Johnson, Laura Johnson, Jordan Lane, and Caitlyn Lane; ten great-grandchildren, Victoria Mehrtens, Peyton Landeche, Riley Landeche, Anniston Renz, Everleigh Renz, Rowan Renz, Paxton Renz, Palmer Hunt, Asher Hunt & Brodie Hunt(twins); brother, Joseph Russell Johnson, Sr. (Valerie); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Interment will take place in Gulf Coast Memorial Cemetery, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, at a later date following a private graveside ceremony.
Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas “Dale” Johnson Sr.