William Donald Johnson Sr.

CONWAY — Mr. William Donald Johnson Sr., 86, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Va., after a lengthy illness. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mina Davis and Levi Newborn Johnson; and a sister, Mary Virginia Moore.

A native of Northampton County, he was retired after 35 years of service as a salesman with Davis & Company of Conway. His memberships included Conway Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, having served as its chairman at one time, Sanctuary Choir member for more than 30 years, taught Sunday school for the Junior Boys Class, and had been a leader of the RA’s.  Also, he served on the Conway Board of Commissioners from 1972 to 1983 and was a Charter member of the Conway Volunteer Fire Department, where he served until his retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Willie Mae Carver Johnson of their home; two sons, William Donald Johnson Jr. and his wife, Sharon, of Raleigh and Dan Johnson and his wife, Jewel, of Murfreesboro; four grandchildren, Heather Lyerly and her husband, David, of Charlotte, Timothy Johnson and his wife, Heather, of Knightdale, Bryan Johnson and his wife, Hannah, of Murfreesboro and Brad Johnson of Greenville; two great-grandchildren, Evan Johnson of Raleigh and Leah Lyerly of Charlotte; a brother-in-law, J.D. Carver and his wife, Elizabeth, of Jackson.; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., today, Oct. 21, at Bridgers Funeral Home Inc. in Conway, which is handling the arrangements.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Conway Baptist Church, with the Rev. Willie McLawhorn and the Rev. James Hester officiating. Burial will follow in the Town of Conway Cemetery.

 The family has requested that anyone wishing to share a memorial gift may do so to the Conway Volunteer Fire Department or to Conway Baptist Church, P.O. Box 160, Conway NC 27820.