Ralph "Von" Devane Johnson, Jr.

Clinton

Clinton resident Von Johnson (Ralph Devane Johnson, Jr.) passed away August 10, 2022, at the age of 75. The eldest son of the late Ralph and Edna Johnson and brother to the late Dale Johnson, Von grew up on his family’s farm near Roseboro. After graduating from Roseboro-Salemburg High School in 1965, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Von also served in the U.S. Army where he gained training and experience in data processing and assembly language.

Using his business education, computer science training as well as a strong work ethic instilled by his parents, Von established a decades-long career that included working at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center, running his own computer consulting business, and raising turkeys. He considered his 36 years working at Prestage Farms as the capstone of his career and was honored to be a part of the agribusiness since its early days. He retired from Prestage Farms at the end of 2020.

Von professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior as a young child and was a faithful member of Mintz Baptist Church near Roseboro. He felt led by God to serve in a variety of ways at Mintz and was a deacon for 40 years, a Bible study teacher, and finance committee chair.
Throughout his life, Von prioritized his family and treasured any opportunity to spend time with his two children and grandson. He loved every minute with them whether in-person, by FaceTime or a phone call.

No matter the sport, Von followed his beloved Tar Heels on the athletic fields and courts. If he weren’t in person to watch a UNC football or basketball game, he would watch on television with the sound muted and tuned into the Tar Heel Sports Network.
In addition to his wife, Deborah, Von is survived by daughter Kristen and her husband Mark, and grandson Grey, of East Hampton, NY, and son, Daniel, of Brooklyn, NY. He will be greatly missed by each of them.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, August 15 from 4 – 6 pm in the fellowship hall of Mintz Baptist Church at 3761 Old Mintz Highway, Roseboro. Other services will be private. Instead of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation to Mintz Baptist Church or other gift of kindness to benefit others.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC  28382.

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