Wallace Eugene Johnson, Sr.

On July 24th 2020, Wallace Eugene Johnson completed his earthly journey and joined Juanita, the love of his life, to begin their heavenly journey. Wallace was born on December 6, 1936 to George Myers and Sudie Augusta Johnson. He was the fourth of seven children and the last surviving sibling.

At 16 Wallace met Juanita, the young lady that captured his heart as they boarded a bus to attend a Billy Graham Crusade. Wallace offered to pay for her seat on the bus, but true to the independent spirit she displayed throughout her life, Juanita declined his offer and paid for her own seat. Nevertheless, the spark was struck, Wallace pursued her and persuaded her father to allow them to date, better described as “sitting” on the front porch together. On one of these visits Wallace arrived on horseback, having traded his car as the horse would be more economical. Juanita promptly corrected that situation by sending him home with instructions to come back after he returned the horse.

At the age of 17 he married Juanita, who was 15 at the time, on November 21st, 1953. Thus began a love story that would last for the next 65 years. During these years they shared the struggles familiar to all young couples, raising children, building careers and managing finances. One of our mother’s favorite stories was about the tough times they went through when the local gas company disconnected their gas service. Our father, ever the creative one, figured out how to turn the gas on temporarily so they could cook dinner, until they found solid footing and could legitimately have the service reconnected. Learning these hard life lessons early in their marriage instilled a passion in my father that he maintained his entire life, and one he attempted to instill in his children; work hard, provide for your family and live within your means.  

Wallace spent the first half of his working career with ARA Vending services and the second half with Scottish Food Systems. Recognized for exemplary work ethic, a trait he attempted to instill in each of his children, Wallace gained increasing levels of responsibility and with both employers ended his tenure overseeing significant operational divisions. Quite an accomplishment for someone whose high school education ended in the 11th grade. A greater tribute to his leadership skills are the numerous co-workers who, even currently, describe him as the best boss they ever worked with. The common theme from these co-workers when they speak of Wallace is “He never expected us to do a job that he wouldn’t do”.

Together with Juanita, Wallace was blessed with four sons, Vernon Eugene Johnson (Phyllis), James Ervin Johnson (deceased, Debbie also deceased), Wallace Christopher Johnson (Debbie) and Wallace Eugene Johnson Jr. (Dorothy). Grandchildren; Vernon Johnson Jr. (Tara), Phillip Johnson (Karen), Dustin Johnson (Crystal), Justin Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Carrington Johnson, Jonathan Johnson (Allison), Scottie Johnson, Tyler Johnson (Jamie), Dylan Johnson, Kenneth Thompson, Steven Haywood, Daniel Johnson. Great Grandchildren: Kristin Jernigan, Kyleigh Johnson, Hollie Johnson, Vada Oxendine, Spencer Johnson, Braxton Johnson, Bella Johnson, Koda Thompson, Karter Thompson, Kaylee Strickland, Kadynce Haywood, Michael Jordan, Elana Johnson, Logan Johnson and Great, Great Grandchildren; Addison Johnson, Emery Johnson, Levy Johnson, Paisley McGirt, Gage Fisher, McKynzi Fisher, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Wallace is preceded in death by his sisters; Hazel Clark, Shelby Caulder, Louise Cupit, brothers; William Johnson, James Johnson and Fairley Johnson.

Wallace believed his primary purpose in life was to provide for, care for, and protect his family. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren want to acknowledge a job well done. From him we learned the meaning of absolute devotion to the ones you love.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel, with burial following in Hillside Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020 at the funeral home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers for memorial donations to be given in their father's memory to the Springfield Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 430, Laurel Hill, NC  28351.

Due to the current COVID-19 Mandates, to ensure pubic safety, facial masks or coverings are requested and attendance will be limited.

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