Gary Anthony 'Cat' Johnson, age 58, Joplin, passed away at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, after an illness.
Cat was born November 17, 1960 in Joplin to Jim Johnson and the late Ella Ree Roberson Johnson and had lived in the Joplin area for most of his life.
Cat graduated from the former Memorial High School in 1978, where he led the basketball team to two consecutive Class 3 state titles. He graduated as the school's single game, single season and career scoring leader. Following high school, Cat signed with Oral Roberts University and was named to their Hall of Fame in 2008. He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets of the NBA and played professionally in England for 8 years. Cat was inducted into the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Cat wasn't just a one sport athlete. He boxed in the Golden Gloves circuit when he was just eight years old and was a frequent visitor at the baseball and softball fields in the area. Cat was a huge supporter of Webb City athletics and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Cat owned and operated Cat Johnson's Auto Sales for over 18 years. He also owned and operated Cat Johnson's Taste of the South restaurant.
He is survived by two sons, Maddison 'Maddy' Johnson and Phoenix Johnson, both of Rogers, Arkansas; Wendy Johnson, Webb City; his father, Jim Johnson, Joplin; two brothers, Larry Johnson, Joplin, Teddy Johnson and wife, Barbara, Joplin; and several extended family members, including Miriah Johnson, Quiauna Johnson, Gabriel Johnson and Kim Weathers.
In addition to his mother, Cat was preceded in death by a niece, Jammia; a nephew, Cohn; and a sister-in-law, Mary.
Services are planned for Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Handy Chapel A.M.E. Church; Unity Baptist Church, Trinity Methodist Church or to Shiloh Baptist Church, all in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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