John William Johnson
John William Johnson, 83, husband of Marcelyn Ann “Marcie” (Eckler) Johnson, of Staunton, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at his residence.
Mr. Johnson was born in Rockbridge Baths, Virginia on February 17, 1941, a son of the late James Thomas Johnson, Jr. and Mary Gold (Oscar) Johnson.
John attended Beverly Manor and Woodrow Wilson High School, served 6 years in the United States Army, and an additional 20 years in the National Guard, where he retired with the rank of Sergeant Major. He then enjoyed a distinguished 27-year career with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), retiring as a Bridge Superintendent. Afterward, John spent 20 years as a Project Representative at Delta Airport Consultants and later worked for an additional four years as a Consultant at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, retiring in December 2016.
John was a member of St. Paul’s Church and loved his Lord with all of his heart. He had a passion for outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, boating, and target practice. Additionally, Mr. Johnson enjoyed driving Richard Petty cars, with his friend Brady, at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, reaching a high speed of 160 mph at the age of 75. He loved his dogs, Snoopy, Missy, Penolopi, Noel, and his current dog, Emma.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by four brothers, James O. Johnson, Harry B. “H.B.” Johnson, Franklin L. Johnson, and Elwood H. Johnson; and four sisters, Mary F. Green, Claire L. Anderson, Viola M. Strickler, and Gladys A. Oscar.
Mr. Johnson was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 31 years, are five children, John W. Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of Greenville, Anita R. Nevils and her husband, Gary of Staunton, David M. Johnson and his wife, Dianna of Greenville, Michael A. Johnson and his girlfriend, Angie of Stuarts Draft, and Edward C. Hostetter and his wife, Penny of Lexington; eight grandchildren, Matthew Marks, Sandra Johnson, Christina Sheffer, Jennifer Johnson, Samantha Sevensma, Sarah Edward, Hannah Johnson, and Anthony “Scottie” Hostetter; and eight great-grandchildren, Cailey, Dayvin, Jocelyn, Holden, Jade, Macy, Maxwell, and Maverick.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.
In keeping with John’s wishes, his body will be cremated and buried in the military section of Oaklawn Memory Gardens at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Staunton-Augusta Regional SPCA, P.O. Box 2014, Staunton, Virginia 24402; the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center, 1001 Mt. Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, Virginia 22952; or an animal rescue organization of your choice.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.
