William Lynn Johnson

William Lynn Johnson, 75, of Olive Hill, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, from injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

Born January 11, 1950, in Lexington, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Clinton W. Johnson and Emma Louise Hilliard Johnson.

Lynn is survived by his beloved wife, Jada Jarrell; a stepdaughter, Charissa Barker of Olive Hill; three brothers, Kenneth W. Johnson and Louis Edward Johnson, both of Morehead, and Erick Ray Johnson of Middletown, Kentucky; a special nephew, Levi Oppenheimer; and many extended family members and friends.

He was a 1968 graduate of University Breckinridge School and a 1972 graduate of Morehead State University. Lynn was a man of many hats—both literally and figuratively. He retired from the Kentucky Department of Highways after 15 years as a right-of-way agent in Flemingsburg, Pikeville, Lexington, and Jackson, followed by 10 years as a utility agent in the Covington and Lexington district offices.

Lynn also worked part-time as an emergency medical technician for Morehead-Rowan County EMS, often answering calls when no on-duty crew was available. He was also employed by State Fire and Rescue Training for many years and served as Regional Coordinator at one time.  Lynn dedicated 30 years to the Morehead Fire Department, serving as Captain for several of those years.

Sports were another passion. He spent more than 30 years as a high school basketball and football referee and, in 2000, became the first official from Morehead to officiate a KHSAA State Championship football game.

An avid outdoorsman, Lynn was also a successful tree farmer and was honored as the Kentucky State Tree Farmer of the Year in 2023.

He often joked that he had been called many things by irate people over the years, but never a hypocrite. Lynn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

At Lynn’s request, there will be no visitation. Public graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, 7855 Bull Fork Road, Morehead, KY, with MFD Chaplain Ray White officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Morehead Fire Club, c/o Tony Cooper, 55 W Scott Court, Clearfield, KY 40313.

Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Lynn Johnson, please visit our floral store.