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Samuel Zachary Johnson
Samuel Zachary Johnson
Obituary
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Samuel Johnson Obituary
Raleigh
Samuel Zachary Johnson, age 24 died Friday December 30 due to a tragic motorcycle accident. He was born June 23, 1987, in Raleigh to Dr. Joy M. Johnson and John W. Johnson, Sr.
He attended Brooks Elementary, Daniels Middle, and was in the Broughton High School Class of 2005 where he developed many lasting friendships. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army and after assignment to Fort Benning for Basic, Airborne, and Ranger training, he was assigned to the 1/508th 82nd Airborne Div at Fort Bragg and served a 15 month deployment in Afghanistan 2007-2008. He transferred to the1/505th and served a 12month deployment in Iraq 2008-2009. He developed a special bond with his fellow paratroopers that only they understand. Upon his discharge from service, he enrolled at UNC Chapel Hill in the spring of 2010.
He is survived by his parents, Joy M. Johnson, MD and John W. Johnson., Sr., older brother, Wiley all of Raleigh; aunts Francine J. Starnes, Marie M. Johnson and Janice G. Johnson, all of Cameron, NC and his aunts and uncles Clay and Jan Mooring of Raleigh , Tom and Carol Mooring of Berwyn Hts. MD , Judy and Ron Brune of Greenville, SC and uncle Tim Mooring of Texas; great aunt Ruby Stewart of Bunnlevel, NC along with his nieces and nephews that he so cherished: Angie Mooring, Kathryn and Dayton Brune, and James and Ryan Mooring and his loving cousins, Ryan, Reid, Patricia, Meredith, Kevin, Don, Annette, Andrew, Lisa, Melody, Gay, and Ben.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 3, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 2 PM at the Cameron Cemetery, North Carthage Street, Cameron, NC 28326. The family will receive friends following the service at the Cameron Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
Flowers are welcome. Memorials may be considered to the NC School for the Blind or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories can be shared atL:
www.BrownWynne.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William Olsen
September 3, 2018
I miss you friend. I miss the comfortable silences of a simple car ride up Franklin St. Listening to 88.1 college radio...smoking a cigarette windows down.
I will see you soon, when I pass on. I know you are there.. to greet once again.
old friend
June 2, 2012
At the funeral, there was a breeze right after the preacher stopped talking and a small plain flew overhead. Immediately after I felt as if my body was 'energized/buzzed" a very eery feeling that lasted about a minute came over me. I really feel it was somehow zach's energy coming over me to let me know he was ok. Never experienced anything like it. Now I'm a believer.
Ryan Newton
May 27, 2012
My prayers go out to the friends, including myself, and the family members of Zach. He was a friend of mine since high school. Reciving this message was devastating. Rest in peace Zach. I know God has a place in Heaven for you brother. You will truly be missed.
Martha Alexander
May 18, 2012
I just found out about Zach's passing today from looking at the Broughton Alumni newsletter. I thought that the name in the 'Passings' section looked familiar, and it didn't take me long to realize that that name belongs to my former student at UNC Chapel Hill. I had the pleasure of knowing Zach through the Spanish 203 course that I taught in Spring 2010. He always sat in the front row and almost all the way to the right. He was unfailingly respectful toward everyone in the class, and he was kind, patient, and mature.
I am glad to have been able to get a small glimpse of what a special person he is. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Kathy Honeyman
January 10, 2012
I met Zach once and was so impressed. A handsome fellow, articulate, sincere, honest...all come to mind when I think of him. Please accept my sincerest sympathy in this great loss. No one can touch the pain you all must be experiencing. Just know there are many people praying for you. Rest in peace Zach. Thank you for standing up for us in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Afghanistan Mountains 10_20_2007 (from Woods)
John Johnson
January 10, 2012
Bill Blair
January 10, 2012
Deepest sympathies on your loss. May the Lord bless you and your family and bring you peace.
January 8, 2012
My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Zach. Thank you for your service to this country.
Carol (annex)
January 6, 2012
John - such a horrible tragedy. I'm filled with sadness. My heartfelt sympathy to you, your family and all those who loved Zach.
Andrew Wahl
January 5, 2012
Mr. and Mrs Johnson, after spending the last 30 minutes trying to find the right words to send my condolences I just decided to erase it all. There are no words that justify just how great of a son you were blessed with. I am confident of this because I knew him as a friend. As awesome a friend and Battle Buddy he was for all of us in the Army, I know he must have been 100 times that as a son. I am sorry for your loss.
Linda Peterson
January 5, 2012
Please know how saddened I was when I read about Zach's accident in the N&O. I remember talking to you, Joy, not long ago about Zach's service to his country and his enrolling at UNC in 2010. As Zach's fifth grade teacher, I remember how smart he was and knew how much potential he had. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rob & Debbie Spafford
January 5, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Zach was such a great friend to our son while they were in the military. We have heard wonderful stories about his adventures. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Danielle Garrison
January 5, 2012
To Zach's family: I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Zach, but I just wanted you to know that I was praying for him before, after, and during this terrible accident. I'm so sorry for your loss and may God be with you. I will continue to pray everyday for you.
Cameron, NC
John Johnson
January 5, 2012
Robert & Susan Reda
January 5, 2012
Although I met Zach only one time there was no question that he was an exemplary young man. He was a young man that any family would be very proud to have raised. Your family is in our prayers during this sorrowful time.
January 4, 2012
Jesse Woods
January 4, 2012
Johnson was an amazing individual with an extraordinary heart.There was not a single bad bone in his body. He was someone who saw the best in everyone even at their worst. He was able express and share his thoughts on a wide variety of topics like no one I had ever met. He was one of the most intelligent individuals I had ever encountered. He was always full of life and joy. He had a sense of adventure that everyone could see with amazing stories of the places he had been. He was able to do more in his life than I could ever imagine. Johnson was always there for me especially when I needed him the most. He changed the way I look at the world and approach life. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. The world is less of place without him here. I hope one day I have a son who will become the man he was. He was a remarkable son, brother, soldier, student, and friend. Johnson changed my life and will live inside me forever.
Arturo Delgado
January 4, 2012
Zach Johnson was an awesome friend and a great person . I'm going to miss him and always remember him. I will keep the Johnson family in my prayers in this difficult time.
Bobbie Bailey
January 4, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. You and yours will be in our prayers.
Bobbie Bailey RN,
Jean Bailey
Henryk Zaleski
January 4, 2012
Rest in peace.
sheila
January 4, 2012
To The Parents of Samuel and Family
The sadness you feel in these dire times is unbelievable. No words can begin to heal your sorrow. I am truly sorry for your lost but God will certainly heal your broken heart and he will bind your painful spots.
Renee
January 4, 2012
Dear John and family, My deepest sympathy for the loss of Zack. You are so proud of him, I can tell because of the way you told us about him. You will all miss him dearly. Wishing you and family much strength for times to come. Renee (The Netherlands)
Paul Pottinger
January 3, 2012
there are no words that i can say that describe the sense of loss i feel right now, so i can only imagine how you must feel. god bless you and your family at this time, and i know and trust there are enough wonderful memories to take you through it.
paul p.
Vance Holt
January 3, 2012
John and Joy,
I am very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Words are inadequate at a time like this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort through God.
Penny Harrell Sugg
January 3, 2012
Eva Joy, I am so sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deborah Beaman Harper
January 3, 2012
I am so saddened for your loss. I can think of nothing more painful than the loss of a child. I do pray for God's comfort and love to surround you today and in the days to come.
Philip Boyne
January 3, 2012
Thank you for your life, Zach. It was a pleasure being your friend in middle school. You always struck me with your tenacity and I'm pleased to see you kept this up throughout your life.
I am proud to have known you and been your friend. I pray for your family at this indescribably difficult time.
Cameron Lambe
January 3, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I'm trying not to sound like a broken record, but Zach truly was an amazing man, and I am so sorry for you and your family. We are all thinking and praying for you, even my friends and family who never met him, because of how special they could tell he was.
John Johnson
January 3, 2012
Savanah 033
John Johnson
January 3, 2012
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
January 3, 2012
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Samuel Zachary (Zach) Johnson our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Zach. And to Zach it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom while serving in the U.S. Army. Zach, you served with honor and distinguishon; we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Zach's family and loved ones.
Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Debbie & Larry Webber
January 3, 2012
Eva Joy , John & Wiley,
I can not find the words to express how deeply I feel for your loss. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Crittenden
January 3, 2012
Joy, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family.
January 2, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in fond memories of your son.
You're in my thoughts.
Graham Settle
January 2, 2012
John and Joy, We are so very sorry and sad to learn about Zach. You are in our prayers. Graham Settle, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Abraham Anderson
January 2, 2012
Dr. Johnson,
Your son touched so many lives... Unfortunately, I was informed yesterday of the tragic accident. I told numerous people of how I wanted that young man to become an Army Officer and lead soldiers. He truly got it, he knew about human nature, he had ethics and was incredibly intelligent. He would have been an excellent officer in the Military. When he chose to re-deploy after our April return in 2008, I was shocked. I had asked him once why would he want to deploy again and he said, "when his time was up he wanted to get out and go to college; he did not want to be part of "Stop-Loss" (involuntarily extended). He wanted to be around his family and go to college."
Johnson, as I called him, loved and respected both you and his father. I personally was amazed by his strength, honor and character. It is not often that you receive a young man in the military that have all three of these qualities, but your son did. You and your husband did an outstanding job raising your son and everyday he walked along side me, these qualities shined. Johnson had a focus and was determined to go to college because that was what his parents did and it was something he had to do. He often talked about his love and respect for his parents, which led him to ultimately enroll in UNC-Chapel Hill. Your son was a great young man; to have survived two combat tours, both with the 82nd Airborne Division - speaks volumes.
Dr. Johnson, thank you for informing me. Writing me during your time of bereavement took a lot of strength. I am eternity grateful and deeply moved that you decided to contact me. I am so sorry for your loss; I will keep you and your family in my prayers while you heal during this difficult time.
Abraham
I will never forget our first date.
Lindsay Wurtz
January 2, 2012
Johnson Family, Zach was the most amazing man I ever met in my life. Words cannot explain what he meant to me. He truly was special to me and I know he was to many other people. Everyone that came into contact with him was incredibly touched by his personality and how much wisdom he brought. He taught me so many things about life and I will never forget them. I am so thankful for having known him and being able to love him the way I did and still do. All of your family will always be in my heart. I sincerely apologize for your loss and wish I could do something to ease the pain, but I know only time can heal it.
*Samuel Zachary Johnson, I will love you always and forever*
Kay Beddard Murphy
January 2, 2012
Eva Joy, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Greta and Ron Laws
January 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Zach's family and friends. May God bless you and carry you through this difficult time.
Reid, Courtney, and Robert
January 2, 2012
We lost a great soldier, veteran, cousin, friend, son, brother, and all around amazing person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and John, Joy, and Wiley. I'll keep our shared memories close to the heart when I go down range.
Nan and Jack Boyne
January 2, 2012
Zach was a wonderful friend of our son Philip during middle school. We are so sad for your loss and hope you can derive some comfort in thinking of the lives that Zach touched in such a positive way during his own short life. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Rene
January 2, 2012
John and family - I am so very sorry and heartbroken to hear of your loss. There are no words. I can only add my prayers for your family, and let you know you are in my thoughts.
*moofie*
ALDON JOHNSON
January 2, 2012
John and Joy, We are so so sorry to have heard about your loss.Zach was a very special young man. He was also very much loved by his friends and family.He will always remain in our hearts and in our thoughts. Remember, anything you need,anytime you need something, Please don't hesitate to call us.Our sincere and deepest condolences are with you.
Pamela & Ray
January 2, 2012
John and Joy, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere and deep condolences for you and your entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do during this difficult time.
Lindsey Williams
January 2, 2012
My heart goes out to each of you during this time and the days ahead. Words seem to fail in the face of sorrow, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kro and Lou
January 2, 2012
John, Joy and Wiley
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kro and Lou
January 2, 2012
John and Joy, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thomas and Deborah Wurtz
January 2, 2012
Zach, you became a part of our family. When you held Lindsay's heart in your hands, you graciously gave a piece of yours back to us. You will be missed terribly, never forgotten.
To John, Joy and Wiley our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Red & Debbie Wall
January 2, 2012
May God bless you during this difficult time. You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Melody Bivona
January 2, 2012
Zach was a true example of how great a young man can be. My deepest sympathy to John, Joy and Wiley.
January 1, 2012
John and Joy, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We wish to express our deepest and heart felt sympathy for your during this difficult time.
Donnie and Lillie O'Quinn, Sanford, NC
Sheron Schley
January 1, 2012
You will be missed greatly bro, a true gentleman and a scholar lol we had plenty of great times during the deployment and my prayers go out to your family, I know they're missing you.
Peggy & Diether von Frankenberg
January 1, 2012
We wish our deepest sympathy for the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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