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Joel Johnson Obituary
September 16, 1938 - January 25, 2024
Raleigh, North Carolina - Mr. Joel Anthony Johnson Sr., 85, of Raleigh, NC passed away January 25th, 2024 at 6:36 PM.
He is survived by his wife, LaVonda, children, Roland, Melanie and Anthony (Tonya); grandchildren, Jonathan (Kristina), Christopher (Ashley), Luke, Jimmy, Michael and Kerri; great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Willow, Jameson, Michael Jr., Lily, Arielle and Hunter; sister, Jeannie and multiple cousins and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, James and Annie, as well as his siblings, James Johnson, Elizabeth "Lib" Parker, Bertha "Bert" Medlin, Mildred Kalsey, Lois Underhill, Betsy Anne Smith and William Johnson. Joel was born in Raleigh in 1938, spending the majority of his childhood in the Caraleigh neighborhood. He was the 8th of nine children to Annie and James M. Johnson.
He earned the rank of Eagle Scout prior to graduating from Broughton High school in 1957. Some of the oak trees planted as part of his Eagle Scout project still stand at Caraleigh Baptist Church off of Summit Ave In Raleigh. Joel was a proud US Army veteran, paratrooper, Expert Infantry Badge recipient, (along with numerous other military awards) who served in the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg as well as the 8th Infantry Division in Germany during the late 1950's.
Joel used the GI Bill to earn a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked with the Department of Transportation, primarily in Bridge Maintenance for over 30 years.
Possessing an unparalleled work ethic, he ran successful security guard and later burglar alarm businesses while working full time as an engineer for the State of North Carolina. He was incredibly proud that he held the 8th license granted by the NC Alarm System Licensing Board. He was a respected businessman in the community with a reputation for quality work, integrity, honesty and fairness.
Joel ("Lone Wolf" to his Y / Indian Guides tribe in the 1980's) was an avid hunter, spending many weekends with his hunting buddies at the "Hunting Club" in Caswell County.
Joel was intensely loyal to his family, friends and church community. Joel attended Caraleigh Baptist Church as a child and returned as an adult to serve as Deacon as his father did. Joel has many ties and friends (some from childhood) at Caraleigh Baptist.
He was married to his beloved wife, LaVonda for 62 years. Taking care of his family was Joel's priority. "Grandaddy" was loved by all.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at Caraleigh Baptist Church, Raleigh. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way Pittsboro, NC 27312.
Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Johnson
Sponsored by Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes - Raleigh.
2 Entries
Grace & Charles Parker
January 22, 2025
A year later and Joel is still missed and to be remembered. He made our neighborhood a better place to live. Thank you for the neighbor that you were. The house the family lived in on our street is still referred to as the "Joel & Lavonda House". He left a legacy for all of us. God is your comforter. We love you. Grace & Charles
Charles & Grace Parker
February 19, 2024
Dearest LaVonda,
We've just recently heard of Joel's passing. We would have been there to celebrate his life had we known earlier. God bless his soul. You both were great neighbors, and we miss your presence on Stanford Street. Share our thoughts with your children.
Charles, Grace, Chris, Shannon & his family
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Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes - Raleigh831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
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