Tommy Johnson was born on December 26, 1940, in DeFuniak, Florida. He grew up in a family with three sisters and one brother. His father worked as a fisherman and painter, while his mother was a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Tommy attended DeFuniak High School, where he was regarded as a good student until he joined the Army at the age of 17.

During his military career, Tommy served for three years and completed three tours in Vietnam. He also spent time in Korea, Alaska, Virginia, Kansas, and Georgia before finally settling in Fort Rucker, Alabama, at the Fort Rucker Aviation School as a helicopter mechanic. Throughout his service, he received numerous awards and citations and retired as a Master Sergeant. Tommy served under Hal Moore, who inspired the book “We Were Soldiers Once.”

After 20 years in the Army, Tommy retired and moved to Dothan, Alabama, where he worked as a security guard at the Farley Nuclear Plant. While there, he graduated from Troy University with degrees in Business Administration and Aviation Maintenance Management.

Tommy met the love of his life at church. He is quoted as saying, “Marriage to her was like heaven.” He and Glenda spent 52 and a half wonderful years together and had two children: Jennifer and Jeffrey. Jennifer is a speech therapist married to a career Army officer, and they have two beautiful daughters. Jeffrey worked as a pharmaceutical representative for 21 years before he passed away; he also had two lovely daughters.

Tommy enjoys going to church and spending time in his garden. His house and front yard were places where he spent a lot of time, and his flowers were his pride and joy. His favorite thing about Monark Grove is their delicious butter pecan ice cream. Tommy expresses that he loves it here at Monark Grove Madison and appreciates the nurses who take excellent care of him.