Mr. Joseph McGowen "Buddy" Johnson, age 78 of Willard died on December 22, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Sunday , December 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Willard Baptist Church in Willard, NC conducted by Mrs. Faye Millis. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha, NC conducted by Rev. Phil Eakins. The family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the service.

Buddy is survived by two sons, Jason Wade Johnson of Willard, NC and Johnny Ritterbush and wife Jane of Simpsonville, SC, two daughters, Lorie Norris and husband Zebbie of Tucker, GA and Barbie Jackson and husband Allen of Teachey, NC, his mother-in-law, Peachie Rivenbark of Willard, NC, three special nieces, Debra Johnson Lanier of Raleigh, NC, Melanie Murphy Emory and husband Jeff of Lincolnton, NC and Suzanne Johnson Graves and husband Loyd of Raleigh, NC, a sister-in-law, Julia Johnson Wells and husband Johnny of Willard, NC, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Buddy was born on February 16, 1937 in Pender County, NC to the late James Christopher and Minnie McGowen Johnson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline Jarman Johnson, his brother, James Dixon Johnson, his sister, Elizabeth Johnson Murphy, his son, Ronnie Ritterbush and his brother-in-law, Jim Murphy.

Buddy was a Deacon of Willard Baptist Church. He owned JM Johnson Farm Supply. He loved farming, running his store , his friends and his church and most importantly, loved spending time with his family.

Casket Bearers will be Allen Jackson, Camron Jackson, Matthew Merritt, Erik Buitrago, Loyd Graves and Jeff Emory. Honorary Bearers will be former deacons of Willard Baptist Church, widows of deceased deacons, Diane Albertson, Faye Millis and Gloria Andrews, Robert McGowen, Lloyd McGowen, Dewitt McGowen, Mack Lee Avent , Jackie Brinson, Robert and Eloise Molleck.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Buddy's memory to WMU Toy Store Ministry at Wallace First Baptist Church 408 West Main Street Wallace, NC 28466.

To sign the guest book , go to www.padgettfuneralhome.com.

A service of Padgett Funeral and Cremation Services , Wallace.