Ronald Thomas “Ronnie” Johnson left us for a better place on August 13, 2026.

Ronnie, the third of four children of Cecil F. Johnson (deceased) and Adie Amelia Stephenson Johnson (deceased), was born on July 6, 1944, in Savannah, Georgia. He moved to Chickamauga, Ga. as a young boy where he began a lifetime of great adventures.

Ronnie graduated from Gordon Lee Memorial High School in Chickamauga in 1962. He helped usher in the Trojans tennis team and he and his brother Larry won the Georgia state doubles championship. He graduated the University of Chattanooga with a degree in Chemistry, played on the tennis team, was a ROTC company commander and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Ronnie was a veteran who served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry. His last tour was 7th Division Labor Officer, Camp Casey, South Korea.

Ronnie started, owned and guided Terra Tile, Inc. in Chattanooga for 22 years. Under his leadership Terra Tile, Inc. was a part of Warehouse Row, The Tennessee Aquarium, the TVA office complex in downtown, Raccoon Mountain Pump Storage Facility, the renovation of the Tivoli Theater and many other projects.

He was an accomplished and proficient golfer and tennis player who won multiple trophies. He will be remembered for his low handicap and a wicked serve. He was a talented artist and shared that talent through beautiful pottery and outstanding wood turning.

He was preceded in death by his delightful brother, Cecil F. “Doc” Johnson, Jr. and beloved sister, Claudette “Ette” Johnson Morrison.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Vitatoe Johnson to love him forever; dearly loved daughter, Mary Catherine “Cassie” Johnson Brothers; son-in-law, Matthew Brothers; grandson, John Patrick “J.P.” Brothers of Nashville; brother, William Larry Johnson (Dawn) of Bel Air, Maryland; his nieces: Amelia Morrison Hipps (Jim), Pamala Johnson Tyler-Koon (Stephen), Jenn Johnson Tawney (Brian), Emily Johnson Farley (Sean); and his nephews, Scott Vitatoe (Jennifer) and Sean Vitatoe (Whitney).
We will miss the infectious laughter and gambling spirit of our Silver Fox.

In lieu of flowers, make contributions in Ronnie’s memory to Wreaths Across Chattanooga, 426 Market St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.

The family will meet at Lane Funeral Home and leave in procession at 1:30 p.m. to Chattanooga National Cemetery for a graveside service at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. A Celebration of Life for Ronnie will follow the service at his home.

Please share memories and condolences at lanefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524.