John Rayford Johnson

1949 - 2016

YORKTOWN - John Rayford Johnson was born on November 5, 1949 and left to be with our Heavenly Father on December 18, 2015. He is preceded in death by his father, Rayford Johnson, mother Christine Whitley Johnson and a brother and sister, twin angels, taken in infancy. Left to love, honor and cherish his memory are his spouse and companion of 45 years, Joy L. Johnson of Yorktown, a brother Kenneth Johnson (Betty) of Chesapeake, VA, a brother Robert Johnson (Sandra) of Florida, nieces and nephews, cousins and a Special Aunt Eunice Bailey of NC. Although, no children of his own, John was John-John, Mr. John, JJ and PaPa John to many that he loved and cared for, trying to be a good mentor to include Andrew and Christian Wong, Amanda Wong Bolton and his Thai "daughters" Pui, Sea, Air, Tak and Noey. He considered Anna Ward McDaniel and Carrie Ward Walker "daughters" that he loved like his own. John worked hard from a young age, learning everything that he could and was able to do just about anything that he set his mind to do. From his heydays of working on cars and motorcycles (Want it fast? Take it to John!), to fixing just about anything, John was highly motivated his whole life. John made his career in the Life and Health Insurance Business and his clients and peers became his friends. He was well respected as shown by the many honors received over the years including serving on the Insurance Company Advisory Boards and developing training and marketing plans. John had a heart as big as the outdoors and would do whatever he could when needed. He loved his home where he could enjoy all of God's creatures including Mr. Kitty who would only come around when John was home. He loved fishing and crabbing from his dock and of course telling those stories of the ones caught and the Big Ones that got away! Marley Dog and Maxie Dog loved their John! So many have benefited from John's knowledge and guidance and he cared about you all. Scores of friends are left to recount his antics, stories about him and to love and honor their friendship. Those same friends have now taken Joy under their wings and she could not ask for more love. John left his mark on this earth and he will be remembered for his acts of kindness and laughter brought to everyone around him. He is surely being rewarded in Heaven. There will never be another. We will miss him until we meet again. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 10, at Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the "XOXO Pet Rescue", P O Box 129, Gloucester, VA 23061. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.