Gary Lee Johnson

September 9, 1953—September 30, 2026

Gary Lee Johnson, 73, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully at home after a fierce battle with cancer, surrounded by his devoted wife and caregiver Ann, his loving daughters, fur baby Lilly, and other family and friends. Born on September 9, 1953, raised in Mount Airy, NC, Gary was a lifelong resident whose roots run deep in the community he called home. A rugged spirit with an unmatched work ethic, Gary worked hard his entire life—starting as a child on the family farm. Over the years, he raised tobacco and cattle, worked at the family dairies, Sykes Dairy, and Johnson Dairy, and successfully ran his own plumbing business. Outside of work, he was a skilled outdoorsman who felt most at home in nature. Whether he was hunting deer, turkey, rabbits and raccoons, fishing, or working as a talented horseman, Gary embraced the great outdoors. He also cherished the memories made coaching his daughters' softball team and camping alongside dear friends.

A man of deep character and service, Gary loved his parents dearly and served as a steadfast, loving caregiver throughout their final years. He was a member of Community Baptist Church in Mount Airy. Gary is survived by a large and loving family who will miss him dearly, including his wife, Ann Kilpatrick Johnson; his children Kristi Johnson Marion and her husband Jeffrey Johnson, Kelli Johnson Billings and her husband David Billings, Jr., Lindsey VanHorn and her husband Luke VanHorn, daughter Brittany Sullivan Clontz and her husband Tyler Clontz, and sons Dusty Lyons and Ryan Sullivan; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth “Ella” Marion, Burton Slate Marion, Luke Billings and his wife Hitomi, Jasmyn Billings, Lily Billings, Thea VanHorn, John VanHorn, Zoey McMillian, Kaylee McMillian, Vincent Clontz, Lyla Lyons, Layla Sullivan, and Timothy “TJ” Sullivan; great-grandchildren Oliver and Harper Billings; his siblings, Karen Johnson Stewart, and Wade Guy Johnson, Jr. ("Junior") and his wife Tammy Young Johnson, special family Blaine Johnson, Darryl Johnson, and friends Terry and Jane Whitley. He is also survived by many other loving family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished parents, Mary Lou Sykes Johnson and Wade Guy Johnson. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday October 6, 2026 at Community Baptist Church in Mount Airy, with revered Brad Quesinberry officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Baptist Church, 644 Haystack Road, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.