Raymond Leon Johnson, 90, of Statesville, N.C., died Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House following a brief illness.

He was born in Iredell County on June 4, 1933, to the late Otis Franklin Johnson and Isolene Whitlock Johnson. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Delmer Johnson, Clarence Johnson, Clay Johnson, Rev. Otis Johnson, and James Johnson, and two sisters, Rachel Jurney and Helen Hall.

Raymond was a member of Fairview Baptist Church for most of his life. He loved the church and helped with the yardwork and landscaping of the grounds, as well as working with the church daycare. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Raymond” by all the children there. He loved to work and enjoyed having a garden each year. Raymond had served his country in the U.S. Army and National Guard and was retired from Southern Screw Company.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Elsie Summers Johnson; two sons, Mike Johnson and Mark Johnson (Laura); three grandchildren, Stephanie Blankschen, Tyler Johnson, and Kelsey Taylor (Canaan); three great-grandchildren, Jake Blankschen, Luke Blankschen, and Noah Blankschen; a brother, Elmer Johnson (Mary); and four sisters, Marie Cash, Carol Smith, Mary Wise (Buddy), and Pat Stevenson. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, at Fairview Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Scott Eanes and Pastor Darren Johnson officiating. Mr. Johnson will lie in state at the church for 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rites. The family will visit with friends following the burial in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Pallbearers will be Tyler Johnson, Jake Blankschen, Jeff Humble, Chris Cash, Sam Cozart, and Darrell Cass, and honorary pallbearers will be Luke Blankschen and Noah Blankschen.

Memorials may be made to the Fairview Baptist Church Daycare, 349 Turnersburg Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnson family.