Johnnie Tapp, Jr.

Johnnie Lee Tapp, Jr., 70, was born September 7, 1950 in Waxahachie, Texas and died June 7, 2021 of cancer in his Arlington, Texas home with his family beside him.

Johnnie graduated high school in 1969 from Sam Houston High School and later graduated from Tarrant County College with an Associate’s Degree in Air Conditioning. He served his country for six years in the Air Force Reserves as Security Police. Johnnie had comprehensive experience in machining, pneumatics, robotics, mechanical assembly, prototyping, welding, hydraulics and engineering. He was also proficient with general building maintenance including air conditioning, plumbing and wiring. He was self-employed as a machinist at the time of his death. Throughout his work career, he traveled to many places including Saudi Arabia, England, and various states. He even worked on a NASA base in Mississippi. Johnnie enjoyed shooting pistols and rifles and was an NRA national high power rifle silhouette champion in his earlier days. He enjoyed driving his Chevy truck, attending air shows, playing softball, fishing, going to Disney World and watching Sci-Fi movies and television shows. Johnnie was a blood donor and received recognition for donating 12 gallons throughout his lifetime. One of his most favorite things to do was to listen to music and to sing. Throughout his life he enjoyed going to church with his family where he never missed a Sunday until he got sick. Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior and he strived to live a godly life and be an example to others. He was proud to be a former member of Calvary Baptist Church, Arlington, for most of his life, and now, a current member of Lake Church, Arlington, where The Seekers, his connection group class, meant so much to him.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Lee Tapp, Sr. and his younger brother Gary Tapp. He leaves behind his mother, Rena Faye Tapp, brother Sid Tapp and sister Vicki Markham and her husband Michael. He also leaves his wife and dearest friend of 50 years, Judy Kay Johnson, and their daughter Jessica Lee Strength and her husband Michael of Mansfield, Texas, and their son Joshua Kirk Tapp and his wife Chris of Walla Walla, Washington. He also leaves his five precious granddaughters whom he adored. They are as follows: Madison Nicole Leutwyler, husband Micah, Taylor Mackenzie Strength, Sallie Katherine Tapp, Bailey Morgan Strength and Olivia Joe Tapp. He also leaves behind other relatives and former coworkers and friends.