Despite his tough cowboy image, Brad Johnson was a devoted family man. His obituary recalls that he met his wife, Laurie, back in 1986 when he was still on the professional rodeo circuit. Their 35 year marriage produced eight children — two sons and six daughters. He had three grandchildren by daughter Bellamy; another daughter, Eden, is expecting her first child, the fourth grandchild whom Johnson will never meet. “Brad loved nothing more than his family,” his wife and children wrote. “He put them before himself in every way and they know that they could not have been blessed with a better husband and father.”
The obituary also notes that Johnson was passionate about the outdoors, and he was a keen hunter who enjoyed leading guided groups. He also became an expert in restoring antique Winchester rifles. The family moved at various times to New Mexico, Colorado, and finally to north Texas — all areas with plenty of land for the actor to roam and appreciate the wildlife.
The grieving family said, “Brad was loved by many and loved people back, a genuine friend, trusted colleague, and a dedicated husband and father, he will never be forgotten, and his legacy will go on.” They also shared two of his favorite quotes: “He taught his sons to be men, and his daughters to expect no less” and, “Do right, and fear no man.”
