Ben Earl Johnson

1929 - 2025

Ben Earl Johnson, 96, of Wake Forest, NC passed away on November 21, 2025. Born on August 26, 1929, in Walnut Cove, NC, he was a devoted son of the late John Dewey and the late Bessie Lee Johnson, husband to first the late Coleen Joyce and his second wife, the late Catharine "Kitty" Knight Holland, and a loving father to his son, Frank. He was a man of strong Christian morals who never met a stranger. A man of integrity, kindness and generosity, Ben left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. We find comfort in knowing that Ben's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Ben was hard-working and dedicated. He spent 32 years working for the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions. Ben's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing golf and woodworking. Making his granddaughters hobby horses and rocking chairs are just some of the projects he spent his time on. As he grew older, his interests shifted to working puzzles, armchair volleyball, and cornhole. Ben has always enjoyed listening to and singing gospel music and was known for being active in various church, community, and retirement home choirs over the years.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, John Frank and Cheryl Scarborough Johnson of Wake Forest, NC; his granddaughters Melia Johnson Kalsbeek (Brian) of Raleigh and Megan Elizabeth Johnson of Wake Forest; stepchildren Cathy Holland of Aiken, SC; Ken and Cindy Holland of Cary, NC, as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 10th, at 2:30, at Bay Leaf Baptist Church at Falls Lake, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Longview Baptist Church, 2308 N. New Hope Road Raleigh, NC 27604; Faith Baptist Church, 249 Holden Road, Youngsville, NC 27596 or Bay Leaf Baptist Church at Falls Lake, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Johnson family.