GREGORY DEWAYNE JOHNSON

Gregory DeWayne Johnson was born Nov. 8, 1974, to Gwendolyn Annette Johnson-Solomon and Clifford Lucas in Teague. Greg was the oldest of six children and was primarily raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Freddie White.

He passed away Dec. 23, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, at the Mexia High School gym.

At a very young age, Greg accepted Christ and was a member of Alexander Primitive Baptist Church until his death. He attended Mexia High School, graduating with the class of 1994. As a Mexia Blackcat, Greg excelled in sports, mainly football and basketball. He was well known for his competitiveness and determined spirit. Upon graduation, he received a football scholarship to attend Southwest Texas State School (now known as Texas State University.) to play offensive tight end and defensive linebacker.

Greg was no stranger to hard work as he held many jobs as a young adult. His most notable job was at Woodson’s Lumber in Mexia. As he got older, he developed a passion for working with the youth. He obtained a degree in Child Development while working as a teacher at the youth detention center in Groesbeck. Greg took pride in making a difference and strived to be a positive role model.

Greg played an integral part in Mexia Little Dribblers program for many years. He loved coaching basketball on the sidelines and helped lead many boys’ and girls’ all-star teams to the National Tournaments. No matter what he was doing, Greg took pride in making an impact and was an influential figure within the community.

From 2003-2018, Greg served as a Machine Operator for the Union Pacific Railroad. Although he was much younger than his coworkers, Greg strived to be the best. With his strong will and dedication to his job, he quickly made a name for himself, known as “Big Johnson.” His favorite machine was the “Spiker.” Greg was a diligent, devoted worker, and he took pride in being one of the best operators of the Spiker. He enjoyed working alongside his railroad boys on “Gang 9169.” Greg was well respected among the railroad community. He will be remembered most for his pride, friendship and endless love for his daughters.

Despite his large stature and tough guy appearance, Greg was a kind soul and made friends wherever he went. He was a positive light to everyone he came into contact with, always sharing encouraging words. He loved making people laugh with his jokes and stories from memory lane. Greg was very caring and didn’t mind lending a helping hand to whomever was in need. He was often referred to as a leader because of his humility, strength, and generosity. Greg was a pivotal figure within the community, and he will be truly missed.

Greg was preceded in death by his mother Gwendolyn A. Johnson-Solomon; his brother, Tony Johnson; a nephew, T’Aveon Johnson; and many other loved ones.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of children, Chris (Jennifer) Johnson, Morgan (Rickey) Johnson, Amy, Ashley, Gwendolyn, and Abie Johnson; his loving spouse, Catina Johnson; his father, Clifford (Betty) Lucas; his siblings, Darrell Solomon Jr., Chris (LaTonya) Solomon, Darilyn “Nikki” Solomon, LaTeshia Solomon, Tamera “Cookie” Lucas, and Clifford Lucas Jr.; multiple grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and friends. Among them are a special aunt, Pamila Johnson; special uncles, Patrick (Monica) Nemons, Kenneth Johnson, Vernce Johnson, and Ernest (Pee-Wee) Nemons, Sherman White; special nieces and nephews, Kendrick Johnson, Kianna (Darrell) Carter, Darious Eggins and Tamara Smith; and best friends, Jeffrey “Buggy” Smith and David Johnson.