Darrell Gray Johnson

1949 - 2022

Darrell Gray Johnson

October 7, 1949 - February 13, 2022

In Loving Memory

Darrell Gray Johnson was born to James D. Johnson and Lorraine "Hope" Parrott on October 7, 1949, in Lebanon, Virginia. He peacefully passed away in hospice, near his home in Cape Coral, Florida, on February 13, 2022. In his last hours, he had the comfort of close family at his bedside. His last moments of joy were interacting with his toddler grandson, Barrett Johnson.

In Cleveland, Virginia, Darrell grew up around his extended family -- farmers and coal miners. When he was a teen, he moved to Highlander Park in Bristol, Virginia, where he graduated from John S. Battle High School.

After graduation in 1969, Darrell signed up with many of his former classmates to serve his country. Luck was with him and he was stationed at Lakenheath Air Force Base in England -- instead of Vietnam -- where he worked as a Weapons Mechanic and received Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals.

During his military duty in England, he met his bride, Lucy Watson and married in 1970. After experiencing some health issues, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and he and his family moved back to the United States, settling back in Virginia. Darrell went to school, at University of Tennessee - Knoxville, to learn about electronics that prepared him for his career in medical device sales, maintenance, and repair.

Darrell and Lucy had three children and raised them in Central Florida. Their childhood memories include lots of entertaining, camping, boating, and tinkering on old British sports cars. The family eventually returned to the mountains of SW Virginia to live in Mendota for a number of years.

Later in life, Darrell retired to Cape Coral, Florida, where met his second wife, Sheri Moore. He had always dreamed of living on a sailboat, but the next best thing for him was to spend his last days by the ocean where it was sunny and warm.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Sheri Moore Johnson; his brother and wife, David and Charlotte Johnson; his two daughters, Lorrie Hope Turner and Misty V. Johnson; his son and wife, Reginald Gray and Tina Johnson; three beloved grandchildren, Maya Turner, Emma Johnson, and Barrett Johnson; and his step-granddaughter, Ella Scanzani.

He is remembered by his loved ones for his generosity, friendliness, and loving nature. He was always someone that wanted to help others and never knew a stranger.

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, you can donate in Darrell's memory to Track Heroes (https://trackheroes.org/) – a non-profit that raises funds to support the mental health of veterans.