Johnny Lamar McKissick

Johnny Lamar McKissick, September 4, 1930 - May 5, 2025

Johnny was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Burleigh and Pearl (Jordan) McKissick. He will be missed dearly, and remembered for so much—from the way he showed off his scrapbook from high school football days, to his unrivaled sweet tooth, to the way he connected so easily with everyone he met.

His life was marked by several gracious turns. After moving from state to state in his first decade, his family moved to Lake Worth, Texas in 1942 where he got his first job working on a milk truck. drinking almost as much milk as he delivered. His life long love of all things Horned Frog began when he was a Boy Scout ushering at TCU football games. Playing football at Lake Worth High as a star running back for the Bi-District Champion Bullfrogs was a highlight, finding in his coach and teammates a true family of support.

Meeting Virginia Rothfus in a Spanish class at TCU after he returned from the Marines was the gift of his life. Discovering they both worked at the Ft. Worth Star Telegram sealed the deal and Johnny became a part of the large Rothfus clan. Two children and two grandchildren, all of whom Johnny showered with love, loyalty and dedication, followed.

Johnny was not just open-hearted, he was open-minded—celebrating diversity before there was a word for it. Johnny knew the benefits of a job which allowed him to provide for his family; he was a life-long supporter of policies that promoted a generous society where all could flourish. Johnny took pride in his children who mirrored his strong work ethic. In recent years, he found hope in his grandchildren, whose passions and career paths embodied his commitment to a more just and peaceful world.

Johnny and his family were members of the First Christian Church of Arlington, Texas for decades. Johnny and Virginia were also instrumental in helping to start St. Andrews Christian Church in Arlington, and in the post-Covid years, he was an (almost) every Sunday Zoom-er at Peace Church UCC in Kansas City, Missouri where his daughter, Holly, is founding pastor.

Johnny is survived by Virginia, beloved wife of 68 years; son Jason, who cared for him with such devotion and tenderness; daughter Holly and her children, Eden and Ben McKissick-Hawley; son-in-law, Joe Hatley; sister Carol Gordon, a large extended family, and friends scattered all over the country. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Buhl. Johnny was blessed to receive, ten-fold, the love he gave. Coaches, friends, family, pastors, caregivers, auto mechanics, insurance agents, doctors…Johnny was loved by many.

Eat some dessert(s) in Johnny’s honor, cheer for the Horned Frogs, and say hello to someone on the street!

A service to honor and remember Johnny will be held at First Christian Church, 910 S. Collins, Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, May 14th at 11:00 am, with a reception at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Memorial Fund of First Christian Church, Arlington, or the Migrant Farmworker Assistance Fund (through Peace Church UCC, Kansas City, Missouri).