Torpedoman First Class Keith Antone Johnson, a dedicated family man, friend to many, and honorable sailor, transitioned to his heavenly home on August 9, 2026, at the age of 62.

Born on November 14, 1963, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late William and Brenda (Brown) Johnson, Keith grew up with a deep commitment to family and service. After graduating from Northern High School, Keith answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1982. Keith executed his duties with unmatched discipline, bravery, and distinction. He served with honor, courage, commitment and dignity on the following assignments:

• ● USS John King DDG-3, from February 1985 to March 1987, the Guided-Missile Destroyer conducted missile/gunnery exercises and readiness evaluations in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
• ● USS America (CV-66), from August 1993 to February 1994, the Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier was known as one of three supercarriers conducting a major deployment supporting operation and humanitarian efforts in the Adriatic Sea.
• ● U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia from May 1999 to May 2000, the team provided vital logistics and resupply support, which served as a central hub for ships from the Military Sealift Command.
• ● USS Vella Gulf CG-72, from June 2000 to July 2002, the Guided-Missile Cruiser participated in homeland defense following the September 11th attacks. This was a part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group, which operated in the North Arabian Sea and Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This ship served as Keith’s last deployment.
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• During Keith’s military career, he earned the following medals, warfare specialist, awards, and commendations:
• ● Navy Achievement Medal (3)
• ● Navy Defense Service Medal (2)
• ● Southeast Asia Service Medal
• ● Armed Force Expedition Medal (2)
• ● Enlisted Warfare Service Specialist
• ● Good Conduct Award (4)
• ● Letter of Commendation
• ● Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (4)
• ● Overseas Service Ribbons
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Over a distinguished 20-year military career, Torpedoman First Class Johnson skillfully completed missions and objectives, and mentored many, retiring with full honors in 2002. Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy, Keith continued his legacy of service by working for the U.S. Department of Defense in naval weapons operations, where he consistently excelled at his duties and trained and mentored many. During his time working in federal service, Keith earned civil service awards and/recognitions, to include the following: Department of the Navy Civil Service Achievement Medal (February 2024) and an Outstanding Meritorious Service While Serving As A Civil Servant citation (April 2017).

Keith was married to Tammy Renee Johnson (née Chambles), for 40 years. Together, they built a home anchored in love and resilience, passing down a rich heritage to their children and grandchild. Keith attended New Living Well Bible Church in Hampton, Virginia. In his spare time, Keith loved cheering on the Baltimore Ravens NFL football team, reading and/or watching Marvel comic-books and/or movies, cooking his “famous” home-made hot wings, and detailing and driving his convertible car, with the “top down”.

•  Family and Legacy
• He leaves to cherish his precious memory:
• • His beloved wife: Tammy R. Johnson
• • His children: Ryan (Lindsay) Johnson and Sherica Johnson
• • His grandchild: David Johnson
• • His siblings: Wanda Johnson, Kevin (Betty) Johnson, Melissa (Reuben) Vrolijk, Lisa (George) King, Stacey Johnson, and Derrick Johnson
• • A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and extended family, church family, and dear military comrades.
• -He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Brenda Johnson, his sibling William L. Johnson, Jr., and sister-in-law, Elder Betty Johnson.
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Order of Service & Celebration of Life 

Public Viewing: Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601- 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607

 Celebration of Life Service: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. New Living Well Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1245 N. King Street, Hampton, VA

1. Interment with Military Honors:
2. Monday, August 24, 2026, following Celebration of Life Service Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veteran Cemetery, Suffolk, VA
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Repass: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 04:30 p.m. New Living Well Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1245 N. King Street, Hampton, VA

The family extends their deepest gratitude for the expressions of love, prayers, and military honors extended during this time of bereavement. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association in memory of TM1 (SW) Keith A. Johnson.