Claude Wayne Johnson

Claude Wayne Johnson, 87, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, passed away peacefully on the breeze of an open window to a beautiful afternoon on May 22, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.

He was born on February 21, 1938, to Dennis and Mary Johnson of Callaway, Virginia. Claude had a rare gift for fixing and building just about anything. Like his parents, he grew incredibly bountiful gardens of tomatoes, corn and potatoes. He loved being outdoors, whether it was on a tractor mowing a field, or in later years, just sitting outside on his porch and taking in the day.

At sixteen, Claude gave his heart to Christ in a salvation decision at Ebenezer Baptist Church. After marrying Margie Faye Holland, he served his country with honor as a Military Policeman stationed in Verdun, France.

Claude loved restoring antique cars. He could spend hours searching out the exact original part for a vehicle. In recent years, one of his proudest accomplishments was the restoration of a 1957 Ford with his friend James Markham, a project carried out with care and precision.

He is survived by the love of his life and the mother of his children, Margie Faye McGuire; his daughter and son-in-law, Inglath and Mac Cooper; his daughter, Michele Bright; and his son and daughter-in-law, Brent Johnson and Karmela Lejarde. He was a proud grandfather to Lola, Kavvi, Tatti, and Nadia Cooper; Beth Johnson; Owen Bright; and Alex Johnson. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Jimmy Garber, and his brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Pat Johnson.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Good Samaritan Strauss Hospice House for their kindness and their compassionate care. Claude’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Good Samaritan Strauss Hospice House in Roanoke, Virginia. Information can be found here: https://www.goodsam.care/strauss-hospice-house

Claude will be missed. He will be remembered here. Until he is reunited with all those he loved in his heavenly home.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastor Stan Parris officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 241541.