Adam R. Johnson

Adam Robert Johnson, 46, Erlanger, Kentucky, passed away after complications from surgery. He was a 1998 graduate of Dixie Heights High School. He was an active member of Dixie’s band program. He participated in the concert band by playing the tuba. He also played the sousaphone in the Dixie marching band. In his senior year, he performed with the Dixie Winter Guard. He was given the privilege of serving as a guest conductor of the concert band during one of their performances in his senior year. He was given the nickname Bubba, which stuck throughout his high school band experience. He attended the Paul Mitchell Cosmetology and Beauty School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was disabled but formerly worked as a trainer at Convergys.

Adam’s personality filled a room with his 6-foot-5-inch body. His huge smile and hearty laugh brightened everyone who met him. Adam passed away after complications from surgery. He fought so hard, but he couldn’t beat the fevers and infection as his organs began shutting down. Using the words of one of his friends, “Adam was truly one of the brightest lights in a world that can feel so dark sometimes. From the moment I met him, he carried kindness, strength, and a heart that was always there for others, no matter what he was facing himself. He gave people love, laughter, and pieces of himself that made a lasting impact. His presence made people feel seen, accepted, and cared for.” He loved Disney, Harry Potter, Taylor Swift songs, the Dixie Marching Colonels, and his dog, Sebastian. He was a proud member of the LGBTQ community.

Adam is survived by his parents, Ron and Bev Johnson, his brothers Steve (Heather) Johnson and Matt (Gemma) Johnson, his nieces Maddie Martin, Alice Daly, Jessica Daly, and nephews Cole Johnson and Anthony Hidden, aunts and uncles, Dolores Lucas, Toni Mills, Sandy (Danny) Dotson, Steve (Tryi) Purvis; Richard (Peggy) Johnson, Gary (Jeannette) Johnson, Carol Campbell, Marvin Johnson, a cousin, Carrie Dotson (his Ernie to her Bert), cousins Jaci (Bob) Price, Shelly (Lee) Fogel, John Lucas, Chris Lucas, Aimee (Michael) Ralph, Leigh Ann Johnson, Eric (Julie) Johnson, Jason (Sherenee) Johnson, Charlie (Sarah) Johnson, Andrew Johnson, James (Valerie) Johnson, Richard (Ali) Johnson and Jennifer(Bill) McKinney, April Collins, Josh (Rebecca) Collins. And many other cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Mona Conley Purvis; paternal grandparents, Price and Grace Hanks Johnson; uncles Gary Mills, Gary Lucas, Bobby Johnson, Billy Johnson, and Johnny Johnson; Daryl Campbell, Aunt Barb Johnson, and Peggy Johnson; and many other cousins and friends.

We want to make his service a true celebration of his life. If you have a favorite memory of him and you, please write it down to share at his service. Let us know if you want to speak, so we can add you to the list.

Celebration of Life will be 3:00 pm Friday, May 22, 2026 with a visitation from 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Northern Kentucky Chapel, 4350 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. To share a memory of Adam or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Adam’s memory to the Dixie Marching Colonels, c/o Band Director, Dixie Heights High School, 3010 Dixie Highway, Edgewood, KY 41017.

Services will be at Newcomer’s Cremation and Funerals, Northern Kentucky Chapel, 4350 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018.