Donald Johnson, Sr

Mr. Donald Johnson, Sr.,of Hamilton and Birmingham, AL, passed away on May 14th, 2013 at age 68. Donald graduated from Hamilton High school, Auburn University School of Engineering, and Southern Methodist University with a masters in biomedical engineering. He was one of the first biomedical engineers in the state and retired from the Veteran's Hospital. He was a 20 year veteran of a barbershop quartet, traveling around the world entertaining. He was a lifelong musician, playing the trumpet in the United States of America High School Band, where he toured the US and Mexico, ending the tour with a show at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. The most important thing to be said of him was what a great husband & father he was. His support for Chip and Doug was constant, undying and unequivocal. He supported them in the pursuit of their dreams, even when they weren't sure what they were. In everything they took part in, their father was right beside them, coaching their sports teams, supporting the Shades Valley & Hoover Band programs, always having an open door policy at his home for all of the boys' friends. His love, encouragement and wisdom will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his father James Johnson, his mother Lucille Johnson, and his wife Mary Johnson. Surviving are his sons Donald "Chip" Johnson, Jr. and Douglas Johnson, also his grandchildren Katie and Cooper Johnson, all of Birmingham. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM, Friday, May 17, 2013, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.