Obituary
Bob (Bobby) Dean Johnson, of Gresham, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 62. Bobby was the only son born to his loving parents, Robert (Bob) Lewis Johnson, and Jessie-Ann Ester Johnson, on March 17, 1964, in Eugene, Oregon. His parents sunset preceded his own.
Known as Bobby “Cotton Top” Johnson amongst the boxing community, he started boxing at the age of six. His skills, and fierceness in the ring had him on the path to the 1984 Olympics but “Cotton Top” instead chose to go professional around 1983 around the time he married his first wife Wendy. He graduated from Willamette High School in Eugene, and attended Lane Community College, as well as Mt Hood Community College. His career path led him to be a jack of all trades being able to do just about anything he set his mind to. In his retirement Bobby spent his time tending to his yard, his newfound love of gardening, subjecting Carol to his “new” recipes, being the unofficial neighborhood watch, enjoying time spent with those he loved, going on new adventures with his love, and spending hours checking in on family, and friends just because.
Bobby is survived by his beloved partner of more than 22 years, Carol Patterson. His sister Cindy Brown, brother-in-law Lavon Brown, sister Renee Johnson, and her longtime partner Jesse Manning. His children James, Derrick, Makayla, Andre, and his stepson Brandon. His grandchildren Asher, Kiyrin, Amoura, Nyla, Kaylee, Jaxin, and Kylie. As well as two nieces, four nephews, and ten great-nieces, and nephews. As well as his extended family, and those he considered family. His second wife Jami preceded his passing May 2026.
A celebration of life, and family style potluck will be held where he was born, and raised in Eugene, Oregon, 11am to 3pm, on October 3, 2026, at Campbell Community Center, located at 155 High St, Eugene, OR 97401. Bobby was a diehard Oregon Duck fan. We encourage everyone to dress comfortably, wear your Duck gear, or don’t, this is a casual event. Come celebrate Bobby with those that loved him most! Be prepared to laugh, cry, share your happy memories of him, and most of all celebrate the crazy, goofy, loving man he was.
If you would like to donate in his honor to the Oregon & SW Washington American Heart Association, we have provided a link to the fundraiser page. https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/bob-bobby-dean-johnson
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