Mr. John Roger Johnson, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He passed at his home after a lengthy illness.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Fannie Hamm Johnson; and his parents, Robert Truman Johnson and Elsie Dowell Johnson Griffin; and his stepfather, Ezra Griffin. Also preceding him in death were brothers, Robert Johnson Jr. and Larry Johnson, and a sister, Estella Bustle.

He was a retired upholsterer and enjoyed beekeeping, gardening and raising animals, both wild and domesticated. He also loved fishing, hunting and traveling. He always took one specific photo album with him on visits with all of the animals he had raised in it. He served in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his son, John R. Johnson Jr. of Dayton, Tenn.; and a daughter, Loretta Upright (Shannon) of Stony Point; along with three grandsons, Jody, Bradley and John Upright. Also surviving are three sisters, Margaret Patterson, Alvina Wilcox and Joanne Navedo.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Keever officiating. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens with full military rites. The family will receive friends Friday evening at Nicholson Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Pallbearers will be David Johnson, Mark Wilcox, Frank Sharp, Jody Upright, Bradley Upright and James Blansett.

Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Red Cross, 200 Overhill Drive #A, Mooresville, NC 28115, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.