Long-time NRB member Don Johnson died on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.
Johnson’s love for the Lord began early in his life. When he was 18 years old, Johnson was ordained as a minister at Union Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
When he was 16 years old, Johnson developed a love for radio and the latest technology to reach people for Christ over the airwaves. His media/youth ministry called Teenagers For Christ received national attention through two Associated Press stories and as a feature in Newsweek Magazine. His radio productions continued without interruption his entire adult life. Through the years, John did the openings and closings for Dr. Adrian Rogers’ “Love Worth Finding” radio and TV programs and was also the producer and host for Dr. Stephen Olford’s Encounter Ministries. Don also co-produced an award-winning religious talk television show, “What is Your Faith?” that aired in Memphis.
Don not only had a unique, soothing speaking voice, he was also gifted with a beautiful singing voice and was an excellent pianist. His love for music led him produce and distribute the beautiful, syndicated music show AFTERGLOW; a blend of inspirational Christian and carefully selected contemporary Christian music.
“Afterglow can be the most relaxing, restorative hour of your day. The world’s noise and chaos can be shut out as you listen to music like you’ve never heard before,” Johnson said about the program.
AFTERGLOW, was heard on over 200 stations worldwide as Johnson shared the inspiring stories behind the origins of the great hymns, along with brief devotionals that relate to the themes of the music. Afterglow Productions has been an active NRB member for nearly 28 years. During his ministry, Johnson received two NRB awards: the Award of Merit in 1985 and the Milestone Award in 2002, recognizing 50 years of service. At an NRB convention during the height of Roe v. Wade, the Lord gave Don and a friend the idea to open a clinic in Memphis for those who think they have no options except for abortion. After that conversation, he established Life Choices, a pregnancy medical center providing godly counseling, ultrasounds, and adoption aid.
“Don was a champion for life and faithfully served the Lord throughout his lifetime. He is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior and Lord,” said NRB CEO Troy A. Miller. “NRB was blessed to have his support and encouragement for nearly three decades. We will miss seeing his enthusiasm and joy for the Lord.”
Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the service celebrating Don’s Life to begin at 3:00. Light refreshments will be served.
The services will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Masks will be required for all individuals attending. The memorial service will be livestreamed on Memphis Funeral Home’s website.
There will also be a Celebration of Life Service at Kirby Pines on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.
