Joseph C. Johnson

Joe Johnson passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, to rejoin his wife, Shirley, the love of his life. He had battled several illnesses since a fall in December 2010. Joe’s friendly personality and simple way of life will be missed by all who knew him.
Joe was a native of North Carolina, born Dec. 23, 1929, to the late William Clarence Johnson and Marianna White Johnson. He graduated from Greensboro High School and from the School of Textiles at North Carolina State University in 1953. While at NCSU, Joe was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a devoted Wolfpack fan who was often seen sporting Wolfpack red, and heard saying, “Go Pack!” He and Shirley joyfully attended many Wolfpack events through the years.  
After graduating from NCSU, Joe served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He became a platoon leader, attaining first lieutenant, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
After serving his country, Joe went to work with J.P. Stevens. For the first 10 years of his career with JPS he was based in Roanoke Rapids, then moved to the corporate offices in New York City. After years of enjoying the New York lifestyle, Joe transferred to Aberdeen, where he worked for JPS until retirement.
The Southern Pines area was a perfect fit for Joe and Shirley. They enjoyed golf, bridge, and their special circle of friends and neighbors. Joe and friends started a golf group known as “The Friday Group,” which still gathers every Friday at the Elks Southern Pines Golf Club. The Friday Group honored Joe and a fellow golfer with a bench that was placed on the par-3 hole No. 14.
Joe was a member of First Friends Meeting in Greensboro.. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Lodge in Southern Pines.
After retirement Joe lovingly cared for Shirley until the end of her life. He was well-known in his community for his kind gestures, and was passionate about helping others, especially by delivering Meals On Wheels.
The family wants to thank Ashley Dunn, who provided loving care through Moore County Registry; the Sunrise of Cary Assisted Living staff, where he was known by all as Uncle Joe; Dr. Cathy Heffner, with Doctors Making House Calls; and countless individuals representing Hospice of Wake County.
Joe and Shirley held in high regard Dr. David Hipp, with Pinehurst Medical Clinic, who carefully cared for them for many years while they lived in Southern Pines.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brother, William Walter Johnson; and his sisters, Mildred Johnson Gulledge and Mary Alice Matson.
Joe is survived by his nieces and nephews, Walter Gulledge, Marianna McDonald, Randy Matson, Ricky Matson, Bill Matson and Mary Helen Dunlap; his goddaughters, Lynne Simeon and Lizabeth (Libba) Chase; and his mother-in-law, Sarah Jordan.
We are grateful Joe is at peace and reunited with his beloved Shirley. 
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills, 500 East Rhode Island Ave., Southern Pines, N.C. 28387.