LTC Johnnie L Bone, Jr.

The family of Johnnie Loyd Bone, Jr of Meridianville, AL, is saddened to announce his passing from ALS on November 5, 2025, at the age of 69 years. Johnnie was born in Augsburg, Germany, on June 11, 1956. He is preceded in death by his parents Johnnie Bone, Sr. and Joan Evelyn (Sitz) Bone; his grandparents, Tillman and Annie Bone, and Nannie McCreary.

Johnnie proudly graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1978, and joined the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. His distinguished 22½ year Army career included service with the 2/12 Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; studies in Italian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California; and command of the 28th and 11th USAFAD detachments in Vicenza, Italy, as well as Alpha Battery, 2/83rd Field Artillery in Babenhausen, Germany. He also served with the Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; the Directorate of Combat Development at Fort Sill; the Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and the Space and Missile Defense Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

His assignments took him across the globe—to Italy, Spain, Germany, South Korea, Kwajalein, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia—before his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in January 2000.

That same year, Johnnie joined Xontech, Inc., to work on Missile Defense Radar Programs. When Northrop Grumman acquired Xontech, he continued as a Capture Manager, collaborating internationally with Poland, England, and other nations on the Integrated Battle Command System. During his 20-plus years with Northrop Grumman, he made a lasting impact before retiring in July 2021. His love for our country was only surpassed by the love he had for his family.

Jr., as he was affectionately known, spent his childhood years on various farms in Grundy County, TN with his parents and five siblings. To his siblings, he was the second born and big brother, the one they could depend on. To his four children, he was their hero. He was always ready to play catch, put worms on fishing hooks, and dig big tunnels in the snow. His love for adventure provided family road trip memories every year. Some favorite memories include singing his country songs with the wrong lyrics in the car, never stopping to use the bathroom, and trips to the hospital when unexpected accidents happened (like a finger shut in a car door or falling down battleship stairs). His eight grandchildren will cherish the memory of his strong arms carrying them, snuggling with him in his favorite recliner, swimming together in the pool, picking vegetables from his garden, and him always giving gummy candy. He taught his family how to work hard and love people no matter the cost. We will remember him with the warm sun on our face, the sand between our toes, when we work meticulously on cars, and play Mexican train dominoes for hours.

Johnnie had the best laugh and a smile that could light up a room. He was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him and he’s watching over us from heaven with an Arnold Palmer in hand.

Johnnie is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Katherine Bone; their four children– Chief Master Sergeant Johnnie (Jessica) Bone, III, Lierin (Justin) Pociask, Jeremie Bone (Jennifer), Juliana (Rutger) Hill; eight grandchildren– Sr Airmen Johnnie (Sara) Bone, IV, Gavin Bone, Abigail Pociask, Jaden Pociask, Hudson Achord, Mila Pociask, Rohen Hill, and Leander Hill; his five siblings– Dinah (Ricky) Meeks, Sherry Meeks, Belinda (Ernie) Church, Jeff (Dawn) Bone, Jerry (Candace) Bone; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hazel Green United Methodist Church on Friday, November 14. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the celebration service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Hazel Green United Methodist Church, 14131 US-231, Hazel Green, AL 35750

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS foundation, honoring Johnnie’s 4 year battle with ALS.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.