Obituary for John "Johnny" Franklin Johnson Jr.
John Franklin Johnson "Johnny", 74, transitioned unexpectedly yet peacefully from this world into the arms of his heavenly Father on January 29, 2022. Johnny lived a full and blessed life because of his confidence and trust in Jesus Christ.
Johnny was born in Fayetteville, NC, then graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC, where he played football his senior year. It was during high school that he met the love of his life, Pamela Peterson, at a church retreat. Johnny’s large stature and athletic talent led him to receive a full football scholarship to East Carolina University.
After college, he served in the U.S. Navy for ten years, where he worked as a Navy Deep Sea Diver. Having an entrepreneurial bent, he then built a successful business selling fire and rescue equipment called Firebrand Inc. He later sold that business and started his next venture, Caretaker Inc., applying his tremendous managerial and problem-solving skills as a general contractor. For 20 years he leased and managed portable classrooms for Early Discoveries Programs in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. He was also a member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and became one of its first Volunteer Cardiac Technicians.
As an avid car enthusiast, one of Johnny’s greatest passions was customizing and showing his prized 1930 Cadillac Coupe. He and Pam especially enjoyed their special times at Lake Anna designing, building, and sharing their dream home with others. Johnny was known by all as a “gentle giant” and has been referred to as Sampson with David’s heart because of his kindness and generosity.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary Johnson. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Pam of 53 years; beloved daughter Amy; treasured son Chris; brothers-in-law Gary, Greg, Mark, Bob, David, Steve, Brian and Jim Peterson and their families; and a lifetime of friends.
The family will receive friends at The Bridge Christian Fellowship, 1116 Hillwell Road, Chesapeake, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 3 - 4 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 4 p.m. with Pastor Bobby Hill officiating. He will be privately laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family is grateful for all expressions of sympathy, including donations to Riverbend Church (Building Fund), 230 Meadowview Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23435 www.riverbendchurch.com. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.
Johnny was born in Fayetteville, NC, then graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC, where he played football his senior year. It was during high school that he met the love of his life, Pamela Peterson, at a church retreat. Johnny’s large stature and athletic talent led him to receive a full football scholarship to East Carolina University.
After college, he served in the U.S. Navy for ten years, where he worked as a Navy Deep Sea Diver. Having an entrepreneurial bent, he then built a successful business selling fire and rescue equipment called Firebrand Inc. He later sold that business and started his next venture, Caretaker Inc., applying his tremendous managerial and problem-solving skills as a general contractor. For 20 years he leased and managed portable classrooms for Early Discoveries Programs in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. He was also a member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and became one of its first Volunteer Cardiac Technicians.
As an avid car enthusiast, one of Johnny’s greatest passions was customizing and showing his prized 1930 Cadillac Coupe. He and Pam especially enjoyed their special times at Lake Anna designing, building, and sharing their dream home with others. Johnny was known by all as a “gentle giant” and has been referred to as Sampson with David’s heart because of his kindness and generosity.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary Johnson. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Pam of 53 years; beloved daughter Amy; treasured son Chris; brothers-in-law Gary, Greg, Mark, Bob, David, Steve, Brian and Jim Peterson and their families; and a lifetime of friends.
The family will receive friends at The Bridge Christian Fellowship, 1116 Hillwell Road, Chesapeake, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 3 - 4 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 4 p.m. with Pastor Bobby Hill officiating. He will be privately laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family is grateful for all expressions of sympathy, including donations to Riverbend Church (Building Fund), 230 Meadowview Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23435 www.riverbendchurch.com. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.