Miller Johnson, active in community

Miller Allen Johnson of 167 Haviland Road, who had been a Ridgefielder for nearly 40 years, died May 31, 2004, at the Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care in Danbury. He was the husband of Alice Backer Johnson, who died in 2000, and was 79 years old.
Mr. Johnson had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for the last 15 years.
Mr. Johnson was born in Sayre, Pa., on May 13 1925. He grew up just over the state border in Waverly, N.Y., where he met his future wife, whom he married in 1946.
Mr. Johnson attended Syracuse University, graduated from Parks Air College in St. Louis, Mo., and served in the Navy during World War II.
After working for American Airlines he joined Emery Air Freight and moved to Ridgefield when Emery relocated its worldwide headquarters to Wilton in 1965. After leaving Emery in 1979 he was the director of systems and procedures at Air Express International in Stamford until his retirement.
Mr. Johnson was active in the Republican Party, served as a justice of the peace, and was involved in many community activities. He had been actively involved in efforts to approve building the “new” Ridgefield High School in 1968.
“Despite his strong opinions about the issues that confronted Ridgefield as it grew, he was known as a person who was always genial and gracious to everyone, including those who might oppose his views,” his family said. “He is remembered by family and friends alike for his sense of humor and sunny disposition.”
Surviving are his sister, Dr. Carol Eagle of New York, N.Y.; his two daughters, Judith Maguire of Stafford, N H., and Betsy O’Connor of Arlington, Va.; his two sons, Jason Johnson of Ridgefield and David Johnson of Falls Church, Va.; and five grandchildren.
A private funeral service will be held on June 19 in Waverly.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.