Gary spent much of his early childhood years living with his family in Eldorado, Arkansas. After the sudden passing of his father in 1954, he moved with his mother and sisters to Lincoln, Nebraska. Gary joined the United States Navy in 1962. He spent most of his military career stationed on the USS Elkorn. He was honorably discharged in 1965. Upon returning to Lincoln, Gary worked as a fireman on Lincoln Fire and Rescue. In 1968, he began working at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co as a cord treater. It was there that Gary earned the nickname of “Hollywood” because of his infamous Wayne Newton look-alike hairstyle. He retired from the plant in 2001.
Gary married Dixie Schwartz on November 8, 1969. To this union, three children were born, Troy in 1973, Amber in 1976, and Rusty in 1980. When the children were young, Gary enjoyed taking them on camping trips, often to a State or a National Park. One of his favorite places to visit with them was to Estes Park, Colorado. In more recent years, he enjoyed road trips to Mahoney State Park or Desoto National Wildlife Refuge with his special friend, Sue, to watch for deer, eagles or sandhill cranes. One of his most treasured trips was to Alaska where he admired the beauty of wildlife and nature from a perspective many will never experience.
Gary loved the competition from a good game of cards, checkers, and chess. He also loved to wow his grandkids with his impressive yoyo skills, often attempting to teach them how to string, wind, and throw. He was a pro at “walk the dog” and “around the world.” He always looked forward to eating at some of his favorite local establishments, including La Paz, Sidetracks, Virginia’s Café, and Red Lobster. Depending upon the restaurant, you would often hear him ask the server for “extra gravy.” After retirement, Gary enjoyed watching rodeos, old westerns, Jeopardy, and Young Sheldon on TV. He was an avid Husker fan, but also enjoyed watching and playing bowling and billiards.
Gary is survived by his three children, Troy (Camille) Johnson of North Liberty, Iowa, Amber (fiancé Clem) Beard of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Rusty (Danielle) Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Skyler Johnson, Omaha, Nebraska, Tierra Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona, Zander Beard, Lincoln, Nebraska, Grayson and Sabryn Johnson, North Liberty, Iowa, and Miles and Beklin Johnson, Omaha, Nebraska; sisters Tonda Westmoreland and Carla McNeal, both of Lincoln, Nebraska; special friend, Sue Statler, Lincoln, Nebraska; mother of his children, Dixie Johnson, Lincoln, Nebraska; De’Nell Beard, Lincoln, Nebraska, and nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Wallace and Phyllis Johnson, and sister, Shirlene Becklund.
Graveside Service: 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Wyuka Cemetery.
Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel (4300 ‘O’ Street).