Johnnie Vinson Townsend

Johnnie Vinson Townsend, affectionately lived a beautiful life. Johnnie was born July 24, 1943 in Wayne, Michigan to loving parents, London and Lilly Pearl Townsend. He loved it, and took great pride in it. He moved to Detroit, Michigan and re-married with wife Shirley Baker. A devout Baptist, he retired as the Chief Engineer at Detroit Board of Education. He was a hard working man, dedicated to his family, everything he did was for them. He was an Army Veteran, all things that he was extremely proud of. Johnnie work ethic was unmatched and because of his problem solving abilities, steam boiler mechanical ingenuity, and being an engineer at heart. He received several certificates and commendations for creating new ways of problem solving. He was a magnetic force, people gravitated towards him, and he accepted and loved them all. He was compassionate, loving, caring, attentive, and hilarious. If you were around Johnnie, you were guaranteed to laugh a lot because he had a great story for you. Everybody knows the types of jokes he tells. Johnnie loved joy riding going to different casinos or other events to attend with wife, he loved the movies and especially movie popcorn, he loved visiting his kids and other relatives when gets a chance to. He loved a bargain, he cared for the latest technology as cell phones or internet. He loved old fashion ways. He loved the classic cars and visiting the Woodward Cruise. He had an eclectic taste in music and loved everything from Temptation, Stevie Wonder to Anita Baker. Johnnie is preceded in death by his loving parents, London and Lillie Pearl Townsend, brothers and sisters. He left behind beautiful children: Shirley, Lisa, Johnnie, Tommy, Girard, Charles. He had 22 grand-children and 9 great-grand children. He is also left behind countless cousins, and all his loving nieces and nephews who loved him and being around. Dad, we will miss you, immensely. You were our "go-to" when life got rough, you were our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on, and although you were a straight shooter, you always got your point across without judgement, and always provided us sound advice. You always made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through. You always gave it 110% and never stop fighting for what's right. Because of you, we have the hearts of a lion, the love of our family, and an insane work ethic. Stand up straight and head up tall. We thank you dad for all the calls, wise words of advice, the love you gave us and the beautiful lives we've lived because of you, your hard work, and your boundless love for us. We are all better people Dad, because of you. We will forever keep you in our hearts with God. A family viewing held on Saturday September 14, 2024 from 10 am-12 pm with the funeral service at 12 pm at the Wasik Funeral Home, 11470 13 Mile Rd., Warren, MI 48093. The interment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium, 21661 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48035. A repast will follow from 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at RSVP Event Space, 20690 Hall Road (East of Heydenreich) Clinton Township.

Johnnie Vinson Townsend

July 24, 1943 - September 2, 2024