VERNON "SONNY" JOHNSON

1941 - 2011

Vernon "Sonny" Johnson, age 69, a resident of Rockport, died peacefully embraced in the arms of his family and loved ones on March 28, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham after complications with pneumonia.

He was born on May 25, 1941 in Crossnore, North Carolina, one of 5 children born to Jack and Bernice (Taylor) Johnson, both now deceased.

He is survived by three sisters, Evelyn Johnson of Sedro-Woolley, Phyllis Reynolds of Rockport, and Ada Johnson of Pacific Beach; his step-mother, Marjorie Johnson also from Pacific Beach and numerous nieces and nephews.

His dearly missed siblings Pudge Johnson and Carolyn Aldridge preceded him in death.

Sonny married Violet Shanks on November 16, 1963 and together they had 4 children; Shane Johnson and the late Cathy Klingel of Lyman, Corey and Debbie Johnson of Lyman and Jayme and Kevin Adkinson of Birdsview. The family suffered a terrible loss of their first born child Bernice, at just 14 months old.

Sonny worked in the construction field for many years with various companies and in many positions from laborer, operator and foreman. This kind of work frequently carried him away from home often many weeks at a time. On one of those occasions in 1977, he was involved in a vehicle accident suffering a spinal cord injury that would confine him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. It was then that his devoted, loving wife Violet became his arms and legs, and total caregiver until his death.

Sonny lived his life through his grandchildren, Christopher Paxton, Ashley and Shae Johnson, Jacqui and Buck Johnson and Aimee and Adam Adkinson. They kept him busy attending cheerleading, wrestling, football, volleyball, and baseball. It was through them that he felt young at heart. He cherished and supported them daily, and embraced every precious moment that he could spend with them.

Sonny's passion for classic cars is shared by all the Johnson, Aldridge, Taylor and Dellinger families. You could find him at every car show, or scouring a swap meet for hours just to find that special part that someone needed to complete a restoration. He enjoyed being in the garages of just about anyone watching as they shined, detailed, and tinkered.

Cooking shows was how he connected with the girls, he loved to eat. And was quick to share any new recipe that he thought we would be interested in, and something he wanted to try. He enjoyed raising rabbits and chickens and spent many hours watching birds feed.

Sonny was a man that had a smile that would lighten any room, compassion for any cause, and a kind, giving heart. He was a hero to many and touched the lives of everyone who met him. He was a humble man that walked tall in a wheelchair.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 2:00pm at the Concrete High School gymnasium with Pastor Gill Gunderson from Everson, Washington officiating. Interment will follow at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete.

Following the graveside service the family will greet family and friends at a potluck reception in the high school cafeteria. The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers be sent to the Concrete High School Wrestling program in care of Sonny Johnson.

Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Sonny and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com