Howard Earl Johnson

Howard Earl “Pops”Johnson of Kinston, NC passed from his earthly life on the evening of Saturday, April 3, 2021 while at Vidant Regional Hospital in Greenville, NC, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Cumberland County on February 1, 1944, he is the son of the late Wilbur Earl and Muriel Doris Williams Johnson.  Also preceding him in death are his daughter—Cheryl Johnson; canine friends “Dodger”, “Spencer”, and “Sophie”; and feline friend “Charlie”.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife—Mary Joyce Atkinson Johnson; daughters—Amanda Rochelle of Pink Hill, NC  and Patricia Johnson of Sturgis, Michigan; brother—Richard “Rick” Johnson and wife Nancy of Sunset, SC; sister--Johanna McKenzie of Valdosta, GA; son-in-law—Raymond Cramer; grandchildren—Alexis Wheaton and husband Dennis of Sturgis, MI, Logan Johnson of McOnnelsburg, PA, Austin Johnson of McOnnelsburg, PA, Kyle Cramer of Shippesburg, PA, Kacie Baker of Macomb, IL; great grandchildren—Destiny, Carter, Colton, and Braxton; hunting/fishing partner and brother-in-law—Guy Atkinson and wife Sue of Burlington, NC and canine friend—Coco.

Born to a military family, Mr. Johnson traveled a great deal while growing up and graduated from high school in Germany.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson worked many years in the textile industry—he as head mechanic and she as plant manager before working alongside each other in their own business in interior design and upholstery—Wind River Crafters and Upholstery in Kinston, NC.  Howard and his father, Wilbur were a father-son team who performed western/gospel music in the State of North Carolina on TV and radio shows and in nursing homes for many years beginning in 1984.   During his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing, and tremendously enjoyed being a captain on his boat.  Family relates that “he loved God, the water, and the woods”.  His biggest love on earth was his love for family.

A service to celebrate his life is set for Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a visitation in the Wallace chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services with graveside services set for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021 in Rockfish Memorial Cemetery of Wallace.  Flowers are welcome or one may consider a donation in his memory to one’s favorite charity.   Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the Johnson family.  

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