Gary Reese Johnson, 66, passed away June 23, 2020, at Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge in Morganton, N.C.
He was born April 17, 1954, in Iredell County, N.C., the son of the late John Johnson and Blanche Mastin Johnson. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Jay Cothren and Grady Johnson.
Gary had a great laugh, loved music, which soothed him, and he loved to play with his favorite set of keys. He was a beloved resident of J. Iverson Riddles Development Center, where he quickly became family.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Dale Pendergrass and wife Judy; sisters, Millie Johnson, Becky Dellinger and husband Bill, and Pat Shoemaker and husband Wayne; sisters-in-law, Faye Johnson and Bunny Cothren; a host of nieces and nephews; and the loving family at J. Iverson Riddle.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel, 135 E. Front Street, Statesville, N.C. A private interment will follow in Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to J. Iverson Riddle, 300 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655, South Willow in Memory of Gary Johnson or Carolinas Health Care Blue Ridge. The family also wishes to thank both for their loving care of Gary.
Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Gary was such an amazing person. I had the privilege of getting to know him and working with him at J. Iverson. He made me look forward to going to work just to hear him laugh and see him smile. He will be missed by all the staff that knew him. Rest easy, my friend. I’ll be praying for his family and loved ones.