William Ralph Johnson was born on December 24, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, to William B. and Mary Johnson. He spent his early childhood in New York before the family moved to Columbus, MS, where he completed his high school education. Following high school, Ralph continued his education at Itawamba Community College and Mississippi Valley State University.

In 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country until 1975. He was a proud Vietnam War Veteran. Following his military service, Ralph returned to Columbus, MS, where he began a long and successful career with Baldor Electric. He dedicated 42 years of service to the company before retiring in 2013. Being an only child, he had brotherly relationship with his cousins and shared entertaining memories from those days. He had a warmth and sense of humor that made people feel welcomed, joy and loved. He was a loyal friend, faithful churchmember, and good neighbor.

Retirement gave Ralph the opportunity to enjoy the things that meant the most to him. He loved to travel and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. He was a proud grandfather and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities. For Ralph, family was not simply important—it was at the heart of his life. Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Tiffany Johnson and his parents, William and Mary Johnson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Sarah Mosley of Columbus, MS; his son, Sherwin (Vera) Johnson of Clinton, MS; his daughter, Carla Mosley of Olive Branch, MS; his grandsons, William Johnson of Clinton, MS, and Tahj Lowery of Columbus, MS; his granddaughters, Madison Johnson of Clinton, MS, Kyla Mack of Olive Branch, MS, and Yasmine Simmons of Columbus, MS; his beloved cousin / sister, Claudette Hurley of Marietta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Though Ralph will be deeply missed, his love, laughter, generosity, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts and countless memories of all who were blessed to know him.