MICHAEL RAY JOHNSON
Feb. 14, 1955-March 27, 2014
Michael Ray Johnson, 59, after a courageous battle with cancer, passed away peacefully into that far better life with his Lord and savior and with the beloved family who went before him.
His courage during this fight was typical of his strength of character, reflecting his loyalty and dedication to his family and his zest and love for life.
A service celebrating Michael's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014, at The Bridge Church, with pastor Ferrell Hardison and pastor Andy Stovall officiating.
The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the church.
Interment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2014, at Union Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, on N.C. 96 in Zebulon, with military honors.
Michael was born in Wake County Feb. 14, 1955, to the late Alvin Truett Johnson and Virginia Lois Douglas Johnson.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of technical sergeant after 20 years of service.
Following his military career, Michael worked as a food and drug inspector with the state of North Carolina.
Michael was a member of The Bridge Church in Princeton. He was devoted to his church, and served as an usher.
Michael always enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. People were drawn to his bigger-than-life personality; he never met a stranger, and if he did, that did not last long before you became a friend.
For those who knew him, Michael will be remembered by his smile.
The loves in Michael's life were God, family and friends. Even during his illness, he never gave up or let go of his firm belief in the power of prayer. Michael's determination to let it be God's will was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Michael's passion was golf and working out at the gym. If it was a beautiful day, he enjoyed being on the links, sharing shots and laughter with his friends.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 28 years, Wanda Puryear Johnson.
Michael took great pride in his daughters, Caroline and Sarah, and loved watching them develop into the fine young women they are today. His family provided many happy days and smiles that only his girls could do.
Michael is also survived by his brothers, Mathew Johnson and wife, Connie, and Johnnie Johnson and wife, Vicky, all of Virginia; sisters, Cindy Johnson of Zebulon, Cheryl Senter of Wendell and Dottie Garris and husband, Earl "Bo," of Kenly; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael J. Johnson and James "Jimmy" Johnson.
Flowers are welcome, or the family suggests memorials be sent to The Giving Life Fund at The Bridge Church, 188 Whitley Church Road, Princeton, N.C., 27569.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 28, 2014 1:49 PM