Douglas Keith Johnson

douglas johnson

July 9, 1953 ~ April 6, 2020

Born in: Pasadena, CA
Resided in: Mableton, GA

Douglas Keith “Shadroe” Johnson, 66, of Mableton, GA, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020, at home after nearly a year long battle with metastatic bladder cancer.

Born on July 9, 1953, in Pasadena, CA, to the late Roger Q Johnson and Loretta Waterman Filker, Doug was a career scientist, protector of the environment, and amateur musician. He attended El Camino College in Torrance, CA, where he received his AA degree, followed by earning his BS in Marine Biology at California State University, Long Beach, CA. While in college, Doug started work in his dream field of marine biology, which evolved into aquatic toxicology, and later led to his 21 year career with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Doug believed strongly in the EPA mission, and spent most of his time there in the Ocean Dumping Program, becoming an expert on contaminated sediments and a mentor to many inside and outside the agency. He retired from the EPA in 2013.

Doug was an avid musician, playing guitar and then bass through most of his adult life. He loved spending time playing music with his buddies, and really enjoyed the various music festivals hosted by longtime friends. He started his own musical gathering in 2010 and called it the Fat Man in a Bathtub Blues Festival, after a beloved Little Feat song.

Doug is survived by his wife of 41 years, Christy Hopkins Johnson, of Mableton, GA, and two daughters: Rachel Scott and husband Kris of Powder Springs, GA; and Maggie Cole and husband Alan of Douglasville, GA; as well as two grandchildren, Jordan Cole and Finley Cole. He is also survived by his sister Pam Poole and husband Johnny of Douglasville, GA, and brother Gary Childs and wife Pam of Needles, CA.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

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  1. Susan Moore says:

    I am so very sorry that we have lost Doug, way too soon. I am deeply sorry for his family and so many friends. Doug clearly had a zest for life and probably is one of the few people who could honestly say, he lived each day to the fullest. He loved Christy and adored his children and grandchildren. He threw the best darn party, Fat Man in the Bathtub. And was just an all around wonderful, fun, funny and decent man. We miss him terribly. I pray for peace and comfort for all who loved him.

  2. Wanda Cole says:

    Christy, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet partner in life, your soulmate. I will remember Doug for the kind, gentle soul he was. His love of music, love for his family, but most of all, the love he gave to my son! I know the love of music really brought them together and the time Alan had with him will be forever precious memories to all of us. Love, hugs, and prayers my sweet friend

  3. Ashley McManus says:

    Such a tremendously kind soul will be missed forever. I consider myself so lucky to have known Doug for so many years and want to send so much love to those he left behind.

  4. Marlee says:

    He was a wonderful loving person. We are all losers at his loss

  5. Nancy B Shaw says:

    I am so very sorry for your loss, Christy. Doug was such a kind, gentle man and such a musical talent. His love for you was obvious as was his love and dedication to his daughters and grandchildren. The FatMan festivals were the highlight of the year for many of us and we enjoyed them so much. Doug was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed by many. Sending you and your family love and prayers

  6. Anne Wolfe says:

    So sorry for the loss of your soulmate, Christy. Such a beautiful couple. We are grateful to have met Doug last year and to have spent time getting to know him. He was a being of light and love for all who knew him. I am so grateful for your friendship going back almost 55 years… when we were adorable and innocent. May your grief release you soon … you are so much loved.

  7. Terry W Shaw says:

    I have so many fond memories of Doug and many great times with my friend especially playing music and learned so very much from him over the years. You will be missed very much my friend. Love you!

  8. Brian Watts says:

    I am really sorry and can’t imagine what you guys have gone through. Doug was a really kind and sweet man. A couple of times I got to go up to his cabin and spend some time with him, his family and my Mom and Dad. I have known Doug since I was a little kid and hopefully I will be able to go to his celebration of life at a later date when you guys are able to have it.

  9. James Porcher says:

    I regret we missed the “Fat Man in the Bathtub” parties. I especially miss Doug’s thoughtfulness . Christy, I’m confident Doug’s jamming with THE BAND! God Bless you and Doug’s family. Thank you for your kindness.James

    • Alisha Child says:

      Hi aunt Christy. Sorry for yours and my cousins and all our family loss. I will miss him dearly. Love u and miss you.

  10. Brian LaPlante says:

    Oh Christie. I’m so sorry to read this. I’m sending you a big hug and you will be in my prayers.

  11. Bradd Poole says:

    Love you. Cuz.

  12. Debbie Smith says:

    Dear Christy and girls, I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a great life he had. He’s a true inspiration for how it’s done. Just remember, he obviously worked hard at his career as well as his family, his fun and overall well rounded life. Lessons we all could use. Happy Father’s Day to you Doug! Hugs to all his family and friends.


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