Fay Johnson, 104, of Niles passed away in West Woods of Niles Nursing Center on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

He was born Nov. 10, 1905 in Hamilton, Mich. to the late John and Myrtie (Cheney) Johnson. He lived most of his lifetime in this area and spent 13 years in Tennessee. Fay retired after 40 years from French Paper Co., where he was night superintendent.

On Feb. 17, 1933 in Goshen, Ind. he married Millicent (Smith) Johnson. They were married 65 years before she passed away in 1998.

Fay was a member of First Missionary Church in Buchanan. He loved to sing and one could often hear him singing as they entered his hallway at West Woods. As a young man, Fay was an outstanding baseball player. He also enjoyed bowling and played both on many factory leagues. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and farmer, raising hogs.

Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Rita Johnson; grandchildren, Larry Koontz and Teresa Floyd; siblings, Cordelia Fisher, Bernice Adams and Bud Johnson.

Fay Johnson is survived by his children, Jeanne (Ronald) Rietrzak, of Mishawaka, Joyce (Chuck) Lindt, of Berrien Springs, Lois (Robert) Ramsay, of Niles, Linda (Don) Hicks, of Berrien Center, Donald (Patti) Johnson, of Niles and Ronald (Frances) Johnson, of Stevensville; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and as he referred to his dear friends as his “other kids,” Andy and Beverly Sarratore, of Niles.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff at West Woods of Niles for the loving care and compassion shown to Fay during his stay at West Woods.

Services for Fay Johnson will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with Elder Charles Johnston, of Buchanan officiating.

Interment will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Fay may be made to West Woods of Niles Activity Fund or the donor’s choice.