Mr. Joe Edward Johnson

Joe Edward Johnson passed from this world and into God's Presence on January 3, 2014. He was born to the late Gurney William, Sr. and Stella Bennett Johnson on February 9, 1943 in Mt. Airy, NC. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 52 years Belle Utt Johnson, three daughters and a son who loved him more than can be ever be expressed with words. Angie Johnson Chandler, Sheri Lynn Johnson, Kristi Johnson Brooks & Joel David Johnson, sons-in-law Mark Brooks & Jeff Jackson, one granddaughter Katey, three grandsons Alex, Nikolas & Tyler, one brother Gurney William Johnson, Jr., one aunt Bertie McCoy, several brothers & sisters-in-law & many nieces & nephews.

His son Joel will miss watching football with his dad as this is one thing of the many they shared. Joe was a card-carrying cat hater for most of his life however he became fond of two though he would deny it till the end. Graybel and Yeti very obviously miss Joe also.

Joe's career as a jeweler took he and his family to live in many different cities along the East Coast. He won many awards for his salesmanship. We grew closer as a family during these long road trips. We would frequently stop for the night at Howard Johnsons and Joe would buy his girls Shirley Temples. Sometimes we fought mostly about who had to sit on the hump. It was usually Kristi because she was littler and couldn't fight for the right of a window seat. Other times we fought because Dad refused to take bathroom breaks so we could "make up some time." We learned not to drink anything.

He and his family finally settled in Charlotte, NC. After this time Joe & Belle bore the son they never had after three girls for most of their marriage. He was the apple of his dad's eye and could do no wrong. Even after Angie pointed out he was trying to stick metal things in the electrical outlets. Angie was never allowed to call him a brat. Though she did anyway - lovingly.

Joe was a man of faith, an organ donor, a Carolinas Panthers fan and a news junkie. Most of all he cherished his family.

A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on his birthday, February 9, 2014 at Moody's Funeral Home, 206 West Pine St. Mt. Airy, NC 27030 at 3:30 pm. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:30 until 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Joe's name to The Foundation of Hope, 9401 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27617 or www.walkforhope.com. If you are unable, please consider adopting an animal who is about to be euthanize and give it all the love you would a child, smile and say hello to a stranger that you would normally pass by, hug your kids extra tight, tell your mom sorry about those labor pains and you appreciate the life she gave you, tell your dad thanks for keeping a roof over your head and food in your belly, get involved in a charity that is close to your heart, give a homeless person a coat and some blankets, stand in nature listen to the wind blow thru the trees and look at the blue sky and know God is "closer than your pulse."

These things cost nothing. These things would make Joe happy.

"They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies." by William Penn

God Bless

A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on his birthday, February 9, 2014 at Moody's Funeral Home, 206 West Pine St. Mt. Airy, NC 27030 at 3:30 pm.