Michael "Mike" Raymond Johnson's Obituary
Michael “Mike” Raymond Johnson of Mandeville, Louisiana, entered eternal peace at the age of 65 on Friday, March 22, 2024, at his home in Daniel Island, South Carolina. He was born on August 14, 1958, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Sandra (Latham) Johnson and the late Jackson William Johnson.
He leaves behind many wonderful memories shared with his beloved spouse of 40 years, Elizabeth Dolle Johnson; three cherished children, Michael Johnson (Elizabeth) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Patricia Campbell (Matt) and Matthew Johnson (Maddie), both of Charleston, South Carolina; and two adored grandchildren, Evelyn Johnson and Lyla Johnson. He is also survived by his mother, Sandra (Latham) Johnson; sister, Kelly Wiseman; numerous loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and an abundance of great friends.
Mike was an exceptional student and avid animal lover. He pursued his passion for animals by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Zoology/Biology from Ohio University while also playing for the Bobcat football team. He furthered his education at The Ohio State University earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Mike continued his academic journey at Mississippi State University, where he obtained a Master's degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences with an emphasis in Catfish Aquaculture and immunology/Aquatic Husbandry. He later earned an MBA from Tulane University.
His varied and accomplished career began as a Veterinarian in Cincinnati, Ohio. He then traveled to Mississippi State University becoming a tenured professor while running the University’s catfish aquaculture which specialized in catfish diseases and diagnoses. Mike was a true entrepreneur at heart, constantly looking for solutions to problems outside of the box. This led him to found Gulf State Environmental Solutions which was later acquired by Amcol International where he served as the Senior Executive Vice President of Amcol and President of Cetco Energy Services for 18 years. He later served as Senior Executive Vice President of MTI before founding Baleen Process Solutions where he served as President until his retirement in 2023.
Aside from his numerous professional accomplishments, Michael's passion was helping animals. He maintained his veterinarian license throughout his various careers and enjoyed helping at animal shelters and taking his own dogs to nursing homes to comfort residents. Mike spent countless years coaching his beloved children's athletic teams and had a profound love for fishing, nature, gardening, and traveling with his family.
Mike will be remembered for his compassionate personality, intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, BIG sense of humor, and dedication to his family and the welfare of ALL animals. He had a true zest for life that touched every person he encountered. Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bissell Pet Foundation at www.bissellpetfoundation.org/donate or to a charity of your choice.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Abbey. Inurnment will be in the St. Joseph Abbey Columbarium at a later date.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Johnson’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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