Joe Beal Johnson, 77, of Perryton, Texas, was born on March 13, 1948, to Harvey and Gladys (McCraw) Johnson in Borger, Texas. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 26, 2025, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Joe was serving as County Commissioner at the time of his passing
Joe graduated from Dumas High School, and he also attended Texas Tech. He then joined the Navy in 1967 and served on the USS Ticonderoga until 1971. After serving in the Navy, he found his love for aviation, moved to Amarillo, and completed his pilot training.
Joe married Carol Stone in Perryton, Texas, and they were blessed with two sons, Justin and Chad. Joe moved to Perryton, where he eventually became a pilot for Courson Oil and Gas for 40-plus years.
Joe married Lindsey Kuehl Brillhart on Aug. 2, 2002, in Booker, Texas. Lindsey felt it was fitting to celebrate his life on their 23rd wedding anniversary. During his time as a pilot in Perryton, he was a flight instructor and helped many people obtain their pilot’s license. Flying wasn’t just a job for him; it was his passion. He passed his love for aviation down to Chad and his children.
After he retired from flying, he became a County Commissioner for Ochiltree County, where he enjoyed serving his community. He worked for several years at Perryton Insurance Agency alongside Chad. Joe loved interacting with their customers and being involved in the community. He was an elder, deacon and served on the board at the First Christian Church and was a member for more than 40 years. He enjoyed raising and selling cattle throughout the years.
Joe never met a stranger and he will be remembered for his giving spirit, kind smile, helping a veteran, and being a generous human.
Joe is survived by his wife Lindsey Johnson; his sons Justin Johnson of Sarasota, Florida, Chad Johnson and wife Kelsey of Edmond, Oklahoma, Damon Williams of Livermore, California; step-daughters Kari Carnes and husband Rodney of Mustang, Oklahoma, Lori Brillhart of Yukon, Oklahoma; grandchildren Jett, Tinley and Graham Johnson, Jackson and Alise Williams, Braxton and wife Jordan Carnes, Bayley Carnes; two sisters Mollie and husband Terry Miller of Yukon, OK, and Pat Bales of Heber City, Utah.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Gladys Johnson, and one sister, Virginia Sanders.