Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Clabourne Eugene “Gene” Johnson, age 60

Clabourne Eugene “Gene” Johnson, age 60 passed away on December 22, 2020. He was born on May 30, 1960 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Clabourne and Neva Johnson. 

Gene was a 1979 Graduate of Jacksonville High School. He was a Captain at the South Bend Fire Department where he was an active volunteer since 1995.  He worked for Leader Newspapers as their shipping and receiving manager since 2003. He was an active volunteer for Arkansas Ducks Unlimited.  Gene enjoyed riding motorcycle’s, camping, fishing and tinkering on projects. He enjoyed building radio controlled boats and planes. Gene was a founding and former member of Fire and Iron Station 90 motorcycle club.

Gene was a man of integrity, and was always there to help anyone in need. He could fix anything and was a true friend.  He was a social butterfly and never met a stranger.

He is survived by his daughter Melissa Ann Johnson, life-long partner and care taker Deresa Holler, three sisters; Gloria Burnett of Maryland, Deborah Lee-Choate of Cabot, Barbara Perkins of Jasper and all current and former members of the South Bend Fire Department.  

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020 at A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville.  Interment will follow at Arkansas Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6 -8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the funeral home.

Gene will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”- Thomas Campbell 

Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.  

Link to Video

You can view the tribute video by clicking the link below:

23 Comments

  • Tosha Churches Posted December 23, 2020 5:33 PM

    A true friend. He will be missed.

  • Steven Carter Posted December 23, 2020 5:37 PM

    Gene, you were a great person and an amazing friend. You will forever live in my heart. I look forward to the day when we are reunited at the big Waffle House in Heaven. ❤️

  • Rick Dworshak Posted December 23, 2020 7:15 PM

    😪 Good dude!

  • Michael Goodman Posted December 23, 2020 7:18 PM

    Very nice person, be will be missed.

  • Steven Gibson Posted December 23, 2020 7:39 PM

    sorry for y’all’s loss I remember when Gene joined the fire department at South Bend I was just a teenage boy that’s where my career started. He was a good guy my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the South Bend Fire Department.

  • Karl Posted December 23, 2020 8:45 PM

    NAILLING FAMILY

  • Michael denby Posted December 24, 2020 12:39 AM

    Rest in peace firefighter brother been great service with u. God bless ur family and friends

  • Kerry Elliotte Posted December 24, 2020 6:51 AM

    Rest in life my friend, until we meet again. Prayers to the family

  • Mel & Melinda Hall Posted December 24, 2020 8:58 AM

    So sorry for your loss! Gene was a very good man!

  • MaLinda Campbell Posted December 25, 2020 5:21 AM

    So sad to hear this news. Gene was one of a kind. So glad I got to enjoy my first ever motorcycle ride with him. I feel very lucky to have known him. Prayers to his family and his firefighter family. R.I. P.

  • Sheila Davenport Wilson Posted December 25, 2020 7:49 PM

    So sorry for the family. Gene was always a pleasant person to talk to. His demeanor was so comforting and sure he will be missed by family and friends. I am happy to have known Gene.

  • Lisa Stallard Posted December 25, 2020 11:41 PM

    Gene truly was a friend to all. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. My prayers for his family and friends who will surely miss him.

  • Patrick and Jerri Roe McCrary Posted December 25, 2020 11:58 PM

    Gene, May You Rest in Love and Peace with Jesus. Our prayers are with your daughter and family. You will be missed so much. You were a good friend and always there to help in any way you could – I’m sure South Bend won’t be the same without you. We will miss you. ♥️♥️♥️

  • Sheila Houser Posted December 26, 2020 12:16 AM

    I’ve known Gene since Jr High. He was always nice to talk to and a great friend. RIP Gene. Prayers for your family.

  • Gary Jones Posted December 26, 2020 6:25 PM

    I knew Gene when we was kid I remember his dad drove for ABF RIP my friend

  • Gail Jenkins Posted December 27, 2020 4:22 AM

    Gene I am so sorry you are no longer it’s us. You were always so kind and so sweet. Such an honorable and gentle soul. Until me meet again rest well my friend.

  • Joe Pennington Posted December 28, 2020 10:52 AM

    A good friend who will be missed.

  • Tammy Martin Posted December 29, 2020 7:39 AM

    Gene will be missed by all who knew him.

  • Adam Sims Posted December 30, 2020 7:37 PM

    The community took a huge hit with his passing. The service he gave to us is beyond measure. An outstanding Fireman and all around person. He will be missed. My heart gos out to his family, the firefighters that served with him, and us in the community that knew and loved him.

  • Danna S Riddle Posted December 31, 2020 2:04 PM

    Gene was such a nice man, he was truly one of a kind. I’ve known him for years I’m very sad to hear this tragic news R.I.P. my friend God Bless his family and friends during this difficult time HE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY

  • Deresa Holler Posted January 2, 2021 9:07 PM

    Rest in peace love. I still say 40 years together should not end this way. I have felt your presence today. Please continue. I remember what you said. I can and I will. I tell myself I can and I will.

    • Lise Childers Posted October 22, 2023 1:27 PM

      I never met you but am sure you loved Gene beyond measure. I am a longtime neighbor of his and classmate

  • John hofheimer Posted January 10, 2021 10:34 PM

    You were rock solid, brother. I suspect you never met a stranger

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