Senior Chief Arthur "Art" Lloyd Johnson, USN (Ret.)

September 22, 1929 - August 31, 2025

Millville, New Jersey

Senior Chief Arthur "Art" Lloyd Johnson, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at the age of 95 in Millville, New Jersey.

Born on September 22, 1929, in Bells Landing, Pennsylvania, Arthur (Art) was the son of Leroy and Nora Bell Johnson. He grew up alongside his siblings Lawrence, Frank, Ansel, Thomas, Mary, and Catherine.

In 1948, Art answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Over the course of a distinguished 26-year career, he rose to the rank of Senior Chief Aviation Machinist Mate. His service included assignments aboard 14 aircraft carriers, notably the USS Leyte during the Korean War and the USS Boxer in 1966, as part of Task Force 140 supporting the recovery of the Apollo Saturn 201 spacecraft. He was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal (multiple times), the Navy Unit Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with campaign stars, and the United Nations Service Medal for Korea. He was highly respected by all who served with him and retired from active duty in 1974.

Following his military retirement, Art continued to demonstrate his strong work ethic with a second career at Scott Paper Company. For two decades, he worked as a supervisor and machinist before retiring once again.

Art shared an extraordinary 74-year marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Jane. Together, they built a life filled with love, resilience, and a deep commitment to family, raising three children during his years of naval service. His devotion to his family was unwavering, ensuring that every need was met, and every moment together was cherished. His stories were legendary among family and friends, bringing laughter and bridging generations.

Art is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; daughter Sharon (Tom) Hollinger; daughter-in-law Diane Hanby; ex daughter-in-law Janis Young; and grandchildren Christopher (LaDonna) Hollinger, Melissa Oxendine, Brian Hollinger, Matthew (Marie) Johnson, and Kyle (Katie) Johnson.  He is also survived by great grandchildren Trevor (Ashley)Oxendine, Rachel Johnson, Wyatt Oxendine, Samantha Johnson, Charlotte and Beckett Johnson, Everett and Greyson Hollinger, sister Catherine Hurd, and sister-in-law Joanne Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Nora (Bell) Johnson; sons Steven and Bruce Johnson; brothers, Lawrence (Sarah), Frank (Jane), Ansel (Mildred) and Thomas Johnson, and sister Mary (Richard) Houser.

Art found spiritual nourishment as a member of Maranatha Baptist Church and also attended Calvary Baptist Fellowship. He considered Pastor Moore not only a spiritual guide but also his best friend. Gospel music brought him peace and joy.

A man of many passions, Art loved trout fishing and deer hunting. He was an avid sports fan who cheered for both the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball, and both the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in football. But nothing ever interfered with watching State College Football games, a tradition he cherished. He took great pride in maintaining his lawn and garden with meticulous care.

For over five decades in Millville, Art became a pillar of his neighborhood community, where bonds ran deep, and neighbors looked out for one another like family. He was a regular at Shannon's Diner three mornings a week, where he enjoyed swapping stories with his "old geezer's gang."

Family gatherings were among Art's greatest joys, especially when they featured shrimp cocktail and cheese and crackers. His pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds. They were truly the light of his life.

A funeral service will be held at Barr Funeral Home, 2104 East Main St., Millville, NJ, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at the Veterans Cemetery on Trench Road, Bridgeton, NJ, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Maranatha Baptist Church or Calvary Baptist Fellowship in Art's honor.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.