Obituary of Thomas Judson Johnson

In Loving Memory of Thomas "Tommy-TJ" Johnson NEWPORT NEWS - Thomas Judson Johnson, 82, passed away peacefully during his sleep into God's care on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. A native of Virginia, Tom was born in Suffolk Jan. 25, 1933 and grew up in Norfolk residing the majority of his adult life on the Tidewater peninsula in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and Saluda. He moved to Durham, NC in 1993. Tom graduated from Newport News High school in 1951. He served his country in the US Air Force (1952-1956) assigned to the 99th Field Maintenance Squadron-B36 Bomber as an Instrument Technician Staff Sargent, stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA with various assignments in Alaska during the Korean War. Married July 1955 to Darlene M. LeLacheur, had a daughter and two sons; remarried 1966 to Doris Pellum. He raised four children Joni, Jeff, Gary and stepdaughter Donna. Tom worked at the American Oil Company (Amoco) Refinery in Yorktown, VA. After many years as a Mechanical Instrument Technician, he went into management and eventually retired in 1987 after 30 years service. In fall 1989, Tom and Doris opened Johnson's Gift Shop in Saluda selling antiques and collectibles. He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, crossword puzzles, American history and country music. An avid sports fan, he loved University of Virginia sports, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks football. Tom was also a passionate checker player competing in the Virginia state checker championship finals several years running. Throughout his 82 years, Tom was a beloved father, devoted son, generous brother, loving supportive husband, a dear friend to many, and a spiritual man attending Wayside Baptist Church in Hillsborough, NC. We lost a kindhearted soul who leaves us missing his sense of humor, laughter and remembrances in stories of family & friends. He is survived by daughter, Joni L. Lund and husband, Jeffrey, of Renton, WA, two sons, Jeffrey D. Johnson of Gold Bar, WA, and Gary J. Johnson and wife, Wendy, of Freeland, WA, and stepdaughter Donna M. Swaim-Prince. Two sisters, Frances B. Shackelford and husband, Roy, of Durham, NC, and Leatha B. Gilbert and husband, George, of Morehead City, NC. Three brothers, Donald Johnson and wife, Sandra, of Smithfield, VA, E. Wayne Johnson and wife, Mary, of Gloucester, VA, and James R. Johnson and wife, Robin, of Hampton, VA. He leaves behind a loving legacy to a number of nieces, nephews and grandchildren who will miss him dearly. Family will receive friends for a memorial service Sat., Dec. 12 at Wayside Baptist Church, 2232 Hwy 70, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Viewing 12:00-12:45pm, Funeral 1:00pm. Pall Bearers are Roy Shackelford, Jeff Johnson, Jason Jones, John Taylor, Connor Williams and Ralf Mueller. Interment service will be Sun., Dec. 13, 1:00pm at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker's Funeral Home, 204 North Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278.