Ellis Wayne

Johnson

Ellis Wayne Johnson, 79 passed away on October 31, 2025. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 P.M. Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene with Tommy Holmes officiating. Masonic graveside rites will be given by the Hylton Masonic Lodge and Military Honors performed by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Interment will follow under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

Wayne was born on July 22 1946, in Knox City Tx, where he spent his childhood years. He attended school at O'Brien until his 8th grade year and quickly joined the workforce where he became a jack of all trades. Throughout his career he was known for his hardwork and dedication. Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army January 6, 1966 as an Infantry Man where he served a couple of years. He then returned home to start his career as a diesel mechanic. But more than anything Wayne also known as Papa, He was a devoted father, grandfather, and Christian. He loved spending time with his children, well mostly just his grandchildren, sharing stories and watching westerns on TV. He was always there to offer his guidance, support, and encouragement with an ass chewing, no matter who you were. In his free time Wayne frequently enjoyed hitting up the local pawn shops with anyone who was willing to go. He also enjoyed fishing, reloading ammo, visiting friends, tinkering with small engines or anything he could get his hands on. He was always eager to share his knowledge and wisdom of anything he could think of at the time; which also came with another ass chewing. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and member of the Hylton Masonic Lodge(Master Mason), he honored and proudly wore these two commitments throughout his life.

Wayne is survived by his sisters, brother, children and grandchildren; Quita Gosset, Cynthia Lawerence, Janice Roberts, Steve Johnson wife Candy, Taylor Johnson, Julia Johnson, Lynn Johnson, son Duke Johnson wife Kelsey, Christy Benge husband Bryan, grandchildren Christian Espinosa wife Angel, MaLena Espinosa, Nicholas Espinosa, AzaLeah Benge, Cooper Johnson, Easton Johnson, Zayden and Rayden Benge and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Wayne is welcomed in Heaven by his sister Ruthy, daughter Patty-Lynn, brother Jimmy, father Ellis(Slick), mother Fayrene, sister Vanessa and nephew Mikey.

He is loved and cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, sibilings, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brian Whelan, Sr., Duke Johnson, Stoney Holmes, Chad Holmes, Christian Espinosa, Nicholas Espinosa. Honorary pallbearers will be Cooper Johnson, Easton Johnson, Zayden Benge and Rayden Benge