Ray Anthony Johnson

Ray Anthony Johnson, beloved son of the late David Mac and Corrine Johnson, was born on March 1, 1963 in Franklin, Virginia. He went to rest in the Lord on Saturday, September 24, 2011, as he was often found in one of his favorite places engaged in his favorite past time, driving on the road. During his early years, Ray attended Edmondson High School where he was a participant in an apprenticeship program for Bell Atlantic Telephone Company. He joined the United States Army in 1975 and was released honorably due to a medical condition. He remained faithful to the field of communications for over 34 years. Fondly known as Ray to some or Anthony to others, he grew to become a master at his craft. Always available to work for the phone company, he traveled to various parts of the United States on assignments. He completed assignments in areas of the country where many would not travel including New Orleans during hurricane Katrina, parts of Florida during hurricane Isabella, as well as Texas when natural disasters debilitated the lines of communications. He was committed to restoring communications at this event. After serving Bell Atlantic in Maryland, Ray Anthony moved to a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic, Bell South in Florida. He began a life in the sunshine state of Miami, Florida, subsequently moving to Lauderhill, Florida where he lived for the last 28 years. After many years in the field of communications, Ray Anthony retired and continued to serve as the head and leader of his family. He carried out his role as leader of the family as he would suddenly, without notice, appear at his siblings houses making sure everyone was doing well. He would visit family and friends one by one, state to state, always traveling the road in his little corvette. He traveled from the Florida coast to Ohio and back just to see his family. If he was unable to get to your house on one of his trips, he would see you on the next one. Being on the road was joy for him. As his journey through life began to test and try him, he grew to know Christ Jesus and developed a relationship with God. He was often surrounded by family members who attended church and sang songs ministering through music and the Word of God. He expressed that he had come to know the Lord Jesus Christ better than we may know. He will sorely be missed by all who knew and loved him. Ray leaves to cherish the precious memories of his life and time: six siblings, including four brothers David, Shawn, Thomas, and Dewayne Johnson, three sisters, Darlene Johnson, Gloria Johnson, and Kimberly Johnson; two brother-in-law, Leander Toone and Charles Roy Bassett; two sister-in-law, Vonderlier and Wanda Johnson; one aunt, Daisy Boyskins; two uncles, Lynn Boyskins and Arthur Mason; six nephews, David Jr., David III, Davon, Shawn, Miles, and Evan; a devoted best friend, Dr. Mary Henderson; a special friend, Helen; and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Tributes

Ray Anthony Johnson

March 1, 1953 - September 24, 2011