Christopher Lee Johnson (Chris/CJ) was born October 14, 1991, in Indianapolis. From the very beginning, he lived with a full heart and an even fuller capacity to love.

Chris loved big — and he loved out loud. He loved his firefighter brothers, standing shoulder to shoulder in a calling built on bravery and trust. He loved family gatherings with his cousins, where stories grew taller and laughter echoed long after the night ended. He loved his time with Deep Waters Jujitsu, finding strength not just in his body but in his discipline and spirit.

He could often be found tinkering with something, happily puttering from one project to the next. He loved being in the country, digging in the dirt, tending a garden, and soaking in the simple peace of it all. His rescue pup, Miss Chunky, held a special place in his heart and rarely left his side.

Chris was thoughtful and introspective, drawn to philosophy and meditation as ways to better understand himself and the world around him. He deeply valued the family he was born into and the chosen family he created through friendship. To know him was to feel included, supported, and seen.

He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, curiosity, strength, and tremendous love.

Survivors include grandmother, BJ Slovacek; his mom, Stevie; brother, Patrick; adored aunts Lisa Hewitt (Rick), Jennifer Lintz; Sara Greene (Mark); Amy Bigham (Jim); cousins Drew Preston; Dylan Preston (Ali); Morgan Russell; Callen Russell, Brennan Russell; Zachary Lintz; Katie Lintz, Anthony Lintz, Ben Greene, Ashleigh Weaver (Hunter); Tessa Crisler (Chris); and Chloe Bigham (Mike Dunleavy). Preceded in death are his father, Johnny Lee Johnson; grandparents George and Catherine Johnson and Anthony Slovacek.

The memorial service for Christopher will be held at 1 o'clock, Friday, March 13th, at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, 125 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.