Kenny Ray Johnson, seventy years of age, of Metcalfe Farms in Harlan, KY, met his Savior face to face on Friday, October 28, 2022, while at the Select Specialty Hospital at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, KY.

One of fifteen children, Kenny was born on February 20, 1952, to Cliston and Ada Maggard Johnson in Benham, KY. Being raised in such a large family, Kenny learned that even if food were in short supply, love was doled out in abundance.

Kenny grew up in Letcher County, graduated from Whitesburg High School, and began working as a coal miner on November 30, 1970. He then became a dedicated member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), serving the union in many capacities through the years. He worked as an international union organizer and as a field representative for District 28, was elected president of Local 7425, and was appointed by UMWA President Cecil Roberts to the International Chaplain Corps.

Kenny was a passionate mine safety advocate. He served as a delegate to the Kentucky State COMPAC Council for over 35 years and was appointed by Governor Paul Patton as Deputy Director of Mines and Minerals, the position from which he retired.

In October 2004, Kenny married Chamayne Metcalfe. They spent the next eighteen years side by side, enjoying the life they built. Kenny loved NASCAR races, camping and coffee, farming and riding his tractors. He believed in the Christian faith and was a member of the Mary Helen United Methodist Church.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Cliston and Ada Johnson; nine siblings: Wayne Johnson, Marty Johnson, Sylvia Murphy Wilhoite, Loreva Cornett, Veronica Brock, Shelia Potter, Sonita Hall, Sherry Edwards, Joann Rosas; and brother-in-law, Britt Metcalfe.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of eighteen years, Chamayne Metcalfe Johnson of Harlan; four children: Neil (Nikki) Johnson of Hindman, Rocky Johnson (Hope) of Somerset, Nina Scott (Mark) of London, and Cory Lowe (Kimber) of Harlan; grandchildren: Kaitlyn O'dell, Trinity Johnson, Laikyn Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Gavin Cozort, Aza Scott, and Chorus Lowe; mother-in-law, Carolyn Brittain Metcalfe; brother-in-law, Christian (Shannon) Metcalfe; honorary niece and nephew, Natalie and Elijah Moore; siblings: Reno Johnson, Virginia Ann Gilley, Jennie Napier, Debbie Deal, Mary Blair, and Tina Boggs; a host of extended family, and dear friends. Kenny's absence will be felt most keenly by his two fur babies, Tebow and Drifter, who were his constant companions.

Kenny's visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 3:00-7:00PM at the Harlan Funeral Home with funeral service beginning at 7:00. Brother Travis Moore and Mr. Randy Brock will be officiating. Graveside services will be Thursday, November 3, at 11:00AM at the D.L. Creech Cemetery in Cumberland, KY. Neil Johnson, Rocky Johnson, Mark Scott, Cory Lowe, Michael Landis, and Christian Metcalfe will serve as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnson family.