John M. Johnson

1938 - 2024

John M. Johnson

May 16, 1938 - June 29, 2024

John M. Johnson, 86, passed away, Saturday, June 29, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Born May 16, 1938 in Wytheville VA, he was the son of the late Reece Boyd Johnson Sr. and Ida Dean Johnson.

Local historian and author, he is well known for his interest in the Civil War and he has written several articles about that era as well as books of that time period: The Lead, Salt, & The Railroad, July 18, 1863, Toland's Raid on Wytheville, and Wythe County, Virginia, During the War Between the State, 1861 – 1865.

One of his special interests is in locating hundreds of burial places for the African-American citizens of Wythe County. His discovery of the Freedmen's Bureau records and the publication of that information, Records of the Freedmen's Bureau in Wythe County, Virginia, added a very important part to local history. His research is well documented and is ongoing.

Johnson was also instrumental in bringing the African American Training School to the attention of local and state officials, and he held office on the board as information was added to the collection of documents outlining its special history. He often gives programs of interest concerning the Black community of Wythe County and other historical subjects.

John retired as First Sergeant from the US Army and National Guard. He was a photographer for the 24th Infantry Division and is noted for his musical ability with the saxophone. During the Bicentennial of Wythe County, he served as chairman of the reenactment of the Civil War "Battle of the Cove." He is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Wythe County Historical Society.

The Town of Wytheville honored him by placing his name on its Wythe Wall of Honor in Withers Park. In 2019 he was designated Citizen of the Year by the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughters, Liz Johnson-Matthews and Lynne Bouknight; two grandchildren, Miles Johnson Matthews and Paige Johnson; numerous brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Ethel Johnson of the home; brother, Kenneth Johnson; sister, Louise Crockett; stepchildren, Dena, David and Timothy, Matthew, and Steven; two step grandchildren, Debbie and Katie; grandchildren, Latriece Bouknight, Niven Johnson Matthews and his wife Jamie, Kearston French and her husband Justus; great grandchildren, Rashaun, Deveigh, Liliana, Naomi, Mazi, Harmony, Sage and Safari; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joint services for John and his daughter, Lynne Bouknight will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Wytheville Meeting Center. There will be an exhibit about him and his work on display at the Wytheville Training Center immediately following the service on Saturday. The family requests that bright colored or white clothing be worn to the service as this is a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wytheville Training School and Cultural Center, Attn: Mortgage Fund, 410 E. Franklin St., Wytheville VA 24382 or go to https://www.wythevilletrainingschool.org/

Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Johnson Family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Barnett Funeral Home

325 Church Street, Wytheville, VA 24382