Gary Ray Johnson
January 7, 1945 - April 23, 2017

Gary R. Johnson, 72, of Terre Haute, died on April 23, 2017 of renal cell carcinoma. Gary was born in Terre Haute to Harold "Jack" Johnson, and Beulah Manning Johnson. He graduated from Wiley High School in 1963, and attended Indiana State University. He joined the Army Reserve in 1967. Gary worked at Reuben H. Donnelley (later Donnelley Directory) for over 28 years. Then he was the owner/operator of Big G's Drive-In Golf Center. He was a member of the Noon Optimist Club and the Terre Haute Elks Lodge #86. He was a longtime supporter of ISU basketball. Gary loved all things golf and a good cigar. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play a variety of sports, but especially soccer.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Dolores "Dee" Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Madonna Robertson Johnson; son, Alex Johnson (Becky Crawford); daughters, Micah Thompson (David) and Erin Ford (Isaac); and five grandchildren, Keely, Sasha, and Alyse Thompson, and Lilah and Elias Ford; several nieces and nephews, as well as close cousins. A special acknowledgement is given to Drs. Crawford and Kunapareddy and their staff as well as Hospice of the Wabash Valley, especially Wendy and Melissa.
Gary requested cremation and hoped that he would be remembered at a social gathering. Therefore, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Gary's life to take place at the Terre Haute Elks Lodge, 2125 N. 25th Street, on Thursday, May 4, from 3:00 - 6:00. There will be light food and a cash bar. Verbal remembrances will be shared, beginning at 4:30. Gary requested that donations be made in his memory to the Terre Haute Humane Society, 1811 S. Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803. As one of his friends said, the world has lost "one of the good ones". Arrangements are under the direction of Samaritan Funeral Home, 2425 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN.