Ret. Col Carl David "Dave" Johnson, age 62, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Dave was born July 3, 1963, at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, to the late Carl Edward Johnson and Shirley Dolores Sowder Johnson. A devoted husband, father, brother, veteran, and friend, Dave dedicated 30 years of honorable service to the United States Army and Army Reserve. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army Comptroller Course, and Airborne School.

COL Johnson entered active duty in 1987 after receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Following completion of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in the Federal Republic of Germany. During his active-duty assignment, he served as Rifle Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Adjutant. He honorably served on active duty until September 1990, attaining the rank of Captain before transitioning to civilian life.

In 1994, COL Johnson began his Army Reserve career in the Transportation Corps with the 1188th Transportation Terminal Battalion in Decatur, Georgia, serving as a Pre-stow officer preparing load plans and then took command of the 587th Service Company.

In 2000, Dave was promoted to the rank of Major and returned to the 1188th Transportation Terminal Battalion, serving as Cargo Documentation Division Chief and Operations Officer. In 2002, he transferred to the 1186th Transportation Terminal Brigade in Jacksonville, Florida, where he mobilized and deployed in January 2003 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In April 2003, he was selected to serve as the Surface Deployment Distribution Command liaison officer at United States Army Europe Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, coordinating the deployment of the 1st Armored Division to Iraq.

In February 2006, Dave was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assumed command of the 352nd Combat CSS Battalion in Macon, Georgia, overseeing seven logistics companies and detachments. In August 2008, he became Executive Officer of the 642nd Regional Support Group, and in September 2010, he assumed command of the 642nd RSG, where he was responsible for two logistics battalions.

In December 2011, Dave achieved the rank of Colonel and served as the 85th Support Command Comptroller. In 2013, COL Johnson deployed as the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Chief of Staff in Kuwait responsible for logistics operations within U.S. Army Central Command's 10 country area of operations. In 2014, COL Johnson became both Audit Readiness and Operational Contract Support Chief for USARCENT. In 2015, COL Johnson was selected to serve as the Operations Officer for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management & Comptroller, Accountability & Audit Readiness Division.

COL Johnson retired in 2016 and his many awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. In addition to his military accomplishments, Dave earned a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Kennesaw State University and held certifications as a Certified Defense Financial Manager and Financial Management Certification Level 3.

Above all, Dave cherished his family and the many friendships he formed throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of the veteran community and remained passionate about supporting fellow veterans through his involvement with the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Villa Rica Military Veterans Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beth Johnson; sons, Michael Johnson and Daniel Johnson, step-sons Johnathan Todd and Ethan Todd; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Keith Johnson; brother and sister-in-law, James and Lisa Johnson; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Almon Funeral Home.

A graveside service and interment will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2 PM at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. The United States Army will provide full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Villa Rica Military Veterans Association Memorial project at www.vrveterans.org, an organization Dave proudly supported.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.