In Loving Memory
Gary Dean “Tink” Johnson
December 23, 1960 – February 1, 2022
Tink Johnson, adoring family man, jokester, best undiscovered softball player this side of the Blue Ridge, loyal friend, avid Tarheel and Cleveland Indians fan, hunter, encouraging coach, among many other great attributes, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. In typical Tink fashion, he fought his last earthly battle as hard as he could before the Lord called him home.
Tink was born to Robert “Bob” and Audrey Johnson in Hendersonville, NC on December 23, 1960. He would be the middle child of five siblings. On many occasions ‘Gary Dean’ as his mother called him when he was in trouble, was the very reason his parents grayed. Tink loved sports, especially football and baseball and excelled in them in high school at Central Cabarrus in Concord, NC.
Tink later found his way back to his mountain roots and settled in the Hendersonville area. When not playing men’s softball, Tink was hard at work. He liked to labor with his hands and spent many years in the car industry. He was a phenomenal detailer and could get a stain out of any material like magic. The summation of that work experience would later lead to him owning his own business, Mountain Detail.
Tink and Crystal fell in love and were married. This February would have been their 20th wedding anniversary. Together they were devoted parents to Makayla, Mykah and Makenzy. There was nothing Tink loved more than being a dad. The love he put forth into his family was evident and he was extremely proud of the wonderful young adults all three of his kids have become. This same love poured over onto all the other children, friends and family who have come into their home, traveled, played and laughed with them over the years. The role of family was and will remain important to them all, and is not defined only by blood or birth, but can also be chosen. They will strive to continue his legacy by living by Tink’s Christ-like example, work ethic and compassion for others.
Tink had the privilege of coaching all three of his kids in sports, including softball and baseball before trading in his coaching hat to become an amazing volleyball dad. His gentle style of pushing them helped lead to their participation in countless state and several world championships. Mykah will never stand up to bat without hearing his dad’s voice say “don’t drop your shoulder” on repeat. Off the field, he saw the significance in teaching his girls to be ladies, but with a toughness to handle themselves independently.
Tink also had a passion for helping other kids and spent many years coaching, refereeing and umpiring within the Hendersonville County Youth League. Tink was the epitome of a “give you the shirt off his back” kind of friend. His laugh was infectious. And his gentle elbow nudge was always enough to boost your spirit.
To his many nieces and nephews, Tink was the fun uncle who always had you belly laughing, pranking your parents and cutting flips. He was extremely supportive and he never missed a reunion, holiday or square dance. He could hold anyone’s crying baby and it would immediately relax with ‘Uncle Tink.’
His most important accomplishment was his walk with the Lord. He was proud of his faith. He believed in the power of prayer and was a dedicated servant to his church. Weekly he was the hand to guide guests across the busy street, or greet kids at the door with a blow pop.
Tink was preceded to heaven by his father, Bob. He leaves behind his loving wife, Crystal and children Makayla, Mykah, Makenzy; his mother Audrey; his brother Rick and wife Martha, his brother Eddie and wife Neicee, his sister Tina and husband Kevin and his sister Kim and husband Dennis, his father-in-law Dr. Reverend Ansel Pace, and mother-in-law Gail Pace, sister-in-law Robyn Mondin and husband Mike, brother-in-law Ansel “Ted” Pace and wife Isabel, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Crystal and the kids are so grateful for all of the family and friends who have shown so much support, and continue to play a vital role in reminding them of Tink’s impact. In lieu of flowers, they would love to receive notes and pictures of memories from you about a time you had with Tink. They will put these notes into a book so they can cherish them for years to come. There will be a basket at visitation for anyone wishing to do so, or your note can be emailed to tinkjohnson@hotmail.com.
Rest easy Tink, the victory is won.
Visitation will be held at Mud Creek Baptist Church at 403 Rutledge Drive in Hendersonville on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from Noon – 2 pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Saluda City Cemetery.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by extended family to help ease expenses and medical bills for Crystal. If you would like to donate, that page can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/tink-johnson-family-medical-bills