Elder Wilbert Lawrence Johnson, III (AKA Ricky Johnson), was born June 13, at Turner Air Force Base Hospital in Albany, Georgia.  He was the son of Ruth T. Johnson Russell and the late Wilbert Johnson, II.

He was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating third in his class at Monroe High School.  He later matriculated at Albany Junior College, Albany State University, and Fort Valley State College where he was awarded the BA degree with honors.  A meritorious veteran, he served his country for nine years in several capacities.

Wilbert began his dedication and everlasting loving relationship with God when he was baptized in the Catholic Faith and served as an altar boy.  He later became a Protestant Christian.  Elder Johnson was ordained in the Church of God in Christ in 2006. At the time of his demise, he was the Associate Pastor for the Church of Restoration Alpha and Omega.  An unequivocal steward of God, "Everything I do and Everything I am, is because of Him" was Elder Johnson's constant Christian motto.  He never wavered in his faith; even when he was faced and confronted with dark, difficult, and challenging times.  Nothing shook his faith—not illness nor death.  He was the personification of a Daniel 6 man—a "praying man."  Wilbert always said, "I'm going to do what God tells me to do."

Elder Johnson was a dynamic musician.  A trumpet player from junior high to high school and later, to the U.S. Air Force Band.  He performed throughout the country and was also a renowned actor in religious plays.  Wilbert produced several religious CDs, but none of his musical accolades could compare to his "voice" as a singer.  He was highly sought after for weddings, funerals, and plays; sang the    National Anthem for local baseball games in the area; and performed the Star Spangled Banner for veterans at the Robins' Air Force Base Museum of Aviation.  His last engagement was three days prior to his own demise when he played the trumpet and sang his heart out for his dear friend Randy Thomas' funeral service.

Wilbert was married to the late Marilyn Mullin.  This union endured for 29 years before her untimely death.  He was a devoted spouse and his wife's caretaker for ten years--never complaining.  Their union was blessed with two children who were his pride and joy, Dr. Adam L. Johnson and Dr. Victoria L. Johnson.

Professionally, Elder Johnson was a teacher.  He taught at Eckerd Youth Alternative (Young Adult Program), Central Georgia Tech, and Christian Fellowship.  He also served as a private contractor for the federal government.

Elder Johnson leaves to mourn, two children, Dr. Adam L. Johnson of Overland Park, KS and Dr. Victoria L. Johnson of New York, NY; his loving and devoted mother, Ruth T. Russell of Albany, GA; a dedicated sister, Lela Emanuel of South Fulton, GA; one uncle and aunt, Amos L. (Ella) Emanuel, Jr. of Fayetteville, GA; one sister-in-law, Carolyn (Albert) Darensbourg of San Antonio, TX; one brother-in-law, Alfred King of Albany, GA; one god- sister, Valerie Roberts of Albany, GA; one god-brother, Nathaniel Wright of Albany, GA; one god-aunt, Mattie Watson of Albany, GA; special cousins, Reginald (Marie) Emanuel of Lawrenceville, GA, Regina Emanuel (Eric) Blackwell of Athens, GA, Brenda Cox, Jackie Cox, and Carla Cox all of Deerfield Beach, FL; as well as countless friends and his extended church family.

His younger brother Jonathan D. Russell preceded him in death along with his grandparents, Amos and Roxie Emanuel, and stepfather, Benny L. Russell.