Mancil Johnson

Mancil Malvin Johnson, 71, of Cookeville and a native of Alabama passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at home with his canine friend, Abbie at his side. Never one to want attention, there will be no service as he has chosen cremation and to become part of the special collections at "easily one of the most spiritual places" he'd ever been, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico. Mancil loved to travel and tell stories -- he has had a leading role in many of his friends best stories. He was grizzly bear and teddy bear in equal measure. He has disturbed the peace and not afraid to call the police when his peace was disturbed. He has been homeless and went on to fill his home with love and compassion for several stray and rescue dogs over the years. Always believing in continual education, he loved reading and graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1971. Continuing his education, he earned two graduate degrees in the fields of education and history. He taught middle school and at the Georgia School for the Deaf and later managed a group home for exceptional people. With his love for history, he worked at the Tennessee State Archives in Nashville. Mancil became a certified archivist. He joined the faculty of the University Library at Tennessee Technological University in 1985 and retired in 2015. As the University Archivist, he was responsible for the acquisition and processing of research collections, including the papers of US Congressman Joe L. Evins, State Senator Tommy Burks and the Harding Studio Photography collection. He mentored student workers, was active in professional associations, and exhibited the highest professional archival standards. After many years of experience working with complex bureaucratic institutions, he found himself relying on a favorite saying. "It's easier to ask forgiveness than get permission." He will be fondly remembered by his many two and four legged friends.