Richard Thomas Johnson

Richard Thomas “Dick” Johnson, age 88 of Smith Mountain Lake, VA passed away June 10, 2013. He was born December 16, 1924 in Henderson, NC, the son of the late Claude William and Hallie Averette Johnson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister; three brothers; and his first wife, the mother of his three children, Helen Teiser Johnson. Mr. Johnson retired as Executive Vice President of the Lane Furniture Company after 40 years. He graduated from Henderson High School and then served 3 years in the US Air Force. He received his Industrial Engineering Degree at NC State University in Raleigh, where he was a member of Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity and played varsity football all four years. He served on the Engineering Curriculum Committee at NC State for many years, and remained an avid member of the University Athletic Association. He was formerly a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church where he held numerous positions on the administrative board over the years. He served on the board of Franklin Memorial Hospital from 1966 until 1970 and also was active in Boy Scouts of America. After moving to Smith Mountain Lake, he transferred his church membership to Christ Community Church where he remained active. He was an active member of the Rocky Mount Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award of Rotary International. An avid golfer, he was a member of The Waters Edge at Smith Mountain Lake. Mr. Johnson is survived by his loving wife, Viola Hoyle Johnson; sons, Richard T. “Rick” Johnson, Jr. of Lynchburg, Carl H. Johnson and wife, Ellen of Roanoke; daughter, Mittie J. Hambrick and husband P.D of Union Hall; three grandchildren, Cameron H. Blankenship and husband Cody, Perry Hambrick and fiancée Lauryl Anglin, and Brian Hambrick; and two great-granddaughters, Shelby and Avery Blankenship. He possessed a charming sense of humor, was a firm boss, but always fair. Dick loved his family, his church, his friends, NC State Wolfpack, a good book, and golfing where he had five holes in one. A memorial service will be held at Flora Funeral Home in Rocky Mount, Va. on Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jim Hight officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at Christ Community Church, Rt. 40, Penhook, VA. Burial at Franklin Memorial Park will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church, P.O. Box 100, Penhook, VA 24137. His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.