With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Kenneth Briggs Johnson, age 65, at Baylor Heart Hospital Plano on October 14, 2020. Ken (and his heart) lived a full and wonderful life as a loving husband & father, amazing businessman, compassionate leader and as an extraordinary friend to many. Ken was born on October 2, 1955 in Dallas TX to Samuel and Billie Johnson, went to Bishop Dunn High School and Graduated with a business degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He married the girl of his dreams and love of his life, Pamela Austin Johnson, 40 years ago. They are members of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Driven to success, Ken started in 1980 as a warehouseman with Shippers Warehouse (S-W), then became operations manager and finally general manager. In 1986, Ken left S-W but continued working in the industry gaining broader insight into supply chain management. He returned to S-W in 1996 and served as COO and President/CEO before becoming majority owner with partner Graham Sank in 2008. Under Kens leadership, the company expanded from a regional warehousing company based in Texas to become The Shippers Group, a leading national Storage, Fulfillment and Transportation company with 15 locations in six states. Ken was a shining star in his industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the International Warehouse & Logistics Association (IWLA) as well as the Texas Warehouse Association. He is described as a relatable and inspiring leader that always prioritized the families of his associates. While Ken enjoyed and excelled in business, the most powerful and compelling force in his life was his family. He and wife Pam enjoyed just being together! Whether playing pickle ball, boating, traveling internationally, snorkeling in the Caribbean, exploring new restaurants or just toasting the end of a day on the deck, they were happy and in love. Ken was so proud of his children, Craig and Kelli, and never missed an opportunity to relate fun and positive stories about their lives. Craig invited Ken on a stag hunt in the rugged Argentinian Andes and despite a very recent knee replacement and painful back, Ken was not going to miss the trip with his son. Stubbornly hauling a heavy load up the mountain, Ken felt his back "pop" and all his pain disappeared. Ken bragged endlessly about the memories he made with Craig on that trip and many other father-son excursions. When talking about daughter Kelli, she was always his BG (baby girl) and his love for her literally poured from his pores. Ken and Kelli loved-father daughter activities including Indian Princesses and attending musicals, especially Cats and Annie. They could not miss watching A Christmas Carol. Some of Kellis favorite memories are just sitting, talking and absorbing the wisdom of this larger-than-life man she called "the rock of the family". Ken bought a ranch in west Texas which he promptly named the "Pam-derosa", constructing a man-cave for the guys and an elegant ranch house for his girls. As a real "mans man", Ken never tired of the physical, hands-on ranch work. But, he was happiest when Pam, Kelli, husband David, grandson Turner Grace, Craig and wife Bridget were together, either at the ranch or at home. In addition to ranching, Ken recently took up the guitar and excelled. He had fun playing golf and pickle ball. Ken admitted to making lasting memories with close friends during pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota, quail hunts in west Texas and dove hunts at the Pam-derosa Ranch. Ken is predeceased by his parents Samuel and Billie and brother Samuel. Ken is survived by his sister Martha and her husband, Joe Arizpe, sister-in-law Sherry Johnson, niece Sherece Johnson, nephews Brett Johnson, Nathan Smith and Nick Arizpe. A reception will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 from 11:30am- 1:30 pm at the Las Colinas Country Club outdoor pool area. Masks are mandatory. If you wish, memorial donations may be made in Kens name to Irving Cares or Preston Hollow Presbyterian Pastors Fund. "Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" Source: "Death is nothing at all" Henry Scott Holland SERVICES Reception

Monday, October 19, 2020 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Las Colinas Country Club 4400 North O'Connor Road Irving, TX 75062