Robert Johnson

1934 - 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Robert, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, engineer, and friend, who passed away peacefully after a life marked by unwavering faith, service, and love.

Robert, 90, was born in Winston-Salem, one of five children, to Everett and Effie Johnson, and he died on August 26th. He was educated at James A. Gray High School and North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Robert was in the Army; a Korean war veteran and he was very proud of the country he served. Robert dedicated his professional life to innovation and excellence. He worked at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company until his retirement, earning multiple patents for manufacturing efficiency and leaving a legacy of ingenuity and dedication.

He was a beloved husband and is survived by Virginia Ann Adams Johnson, his soulmate and partner for 68 joyful years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. He was a proud father, and he is survived by two of his three children. Robert Calvin (Bobby) Johnson, Jr. and his wife Sally, and Adam Everett Johnson and his wife Myssie. Robert's love also extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren from Bobby, Devon Fehlig and her husband Louis, their children Vera Skye and William Graham (Wiley) and his granddaughter from Adam and Myssie, Isabel Luz Johnson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Colepaugh, his brothers Clyde Johnson and Ralph Johnson. He was also preceded by his daughter Victoria Helen Johnson and his grandson Graham Everett Johnson. Robert is survived by his brother Dan Johnson and his wife Tina Johnson.

A man of deep faith, he served as a deacon at Clemmons Baptist Church, where he helped start a young couples class that fostered lifelong friendships. After moving to Winston-Salem in the early 1970s, he became an active member of First Baptist Church on Fifth Street.

He found a lifetime of joy in golf, having learned the game from his father Everett at an early age. He especially enjoyed the precious moments when playing with his three brothers in their cherished "All Johnson" foursome. He was a skilled craftsman and generous volunteer, contributing his talents to the construction of several Habitat for Humanity homes. Whether it was carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, he could build or fix anything with precision and care.

His passion for music led him to support the School of the Arts, sponsoring scholarships for gifted musicians and arranging for George Beverly Shea of the Billy Graham ministry to perform for his congregation. He also loved listening to operatic tenors like Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, whose voices stirred his soul.

Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, boundless generosity, and the deep love he gave to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the faith he lived.

A memorial service will be held at Clemmons Baptist Church on Saturday September 20th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your own local church, charity or organization.