John Page Johnson “JJ”, 78, of Radford, passed away on August 6, 2023, from a severe stroke. He fought a brave battle but complications made it impossible for him to recover. The Johnson family would like to thank the staff at Roanoke Carilion Hospital, Radford Health & Rehab, Intrepid Hospice, and Dr. Charles Judy for their professional and compassionate care for John.
Born in Roanoke, John grew up in Galax, and was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. He was a manufacturer’s representative in the furniture industry for over 50 years where he made so many lifelong friends. John had a wonderful gift for connecting with people, a true “people person,” and worked his way into the hearts of many. We know he was grateful for, and loved, his family and friends very much! Over the years, John’s passions included snow skiing, traveling, racquetball, movies, yard work, pickleball, and most of all, spending time with his family boating, jet skiing, and enjoying beautiful Claytor Lake.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John “Red” and Roberta Johnson; a brother, Bob Johnson; and sister-in-law, Ann Johnson, all of Galax. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Lou Morris Johnson; son, Tom P. Johnson and his wife Beth of Radford; daughter, Hillary J. Thompson and her husband, Wes, of Salem; and grandsons Tristan P. Johnson, Avery P. Thompson, and Aspen C. Thompson.
Per John’s wishes, his life will be celebrated with a private family memorial at the lake. The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers since John’s stroke on June 3rd. John enjoyed each and every heartfelt card and message read to him, and the family enjoyed the stories he shared about the friends who sent them!
In lieu of a public service, please consider making a charitable donation in John’s memory. FOCL (Friends of Claytor Lake) and Unity Christian Church in Radford are the two beneficiaries of his choice. John and his family have been lifetime members of Unity (formerly First Christian Church), and he has been a passionate board member and volunteer for FOCL since its inception in 1992. FOCL’s mission is to care for Claytor Lake by cleaning up debris, maintaining water quality, protecting shoreline, and even promoting fish habitats and native vegetation growth. John grew up boating on Claytor Lake, and raised his own family with lots of time and summer vacations spent on the lake. Eventually his and Betty’s dream of living on Claytor Lake came true, with lots of Family Lake Days!
For FOCL donations, please visit www.focl.org to give online, or checks can be mailed to:
Friends of Claytor Lake (FOCL), 6580 Valley Center Drive, Room 318, Fairlawn, VA 24141
For Unity Christian Church donations, please visit www.unitychristianchurchradford.org to give online, or checks can be mailed to:
Unity Christian Church, 400 Tyler Avenue, Radford, VA 24141.
The Johnson family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.