David Carr Johnson

David Carr Johnson, 87, passed away on August 18, 2026, at his home in Germanton, NC. David was born on June 2, 1939, in Bakersville, NC, and grew up in Toecane in the North Carolina mountains, surrounded by a large extended family. After graduating from high school, he left the mountains for Wofford College and service in the US Army and became a mechanical engineer. He loved engineering and had a very organized methodical approach to most everything he did. He enjoyed taking on a challenge and finding just the right solution. You could often find him building and fixing things and helping family and friends with their projects. He also loved wordplay and telling stories of his youthful adventures. He had a successful career that allowed him to travel the world, working for Bausch and Lomb, Kodak, and AMP, Inc. After retiring early, he began a second career as a longhaul truck driver and was able to travel all over the country. David had a zest for life. He was very outgoing and loved meeting new people. He enjoyed exploring the mountains and going to the beach. He was always very active. He spent years playing racquetball with friends at the YMCA before discovering windsurfing, which became his passion. He spent his later years kayaking and boating in the ocean and Neuse River with his beloved wife Suzanne. His interests were broad and varied and included music, books, and British detective shows. David is survived by his son Michael David Johnson and wife Angela, his daughter Laura Beth Saldana and husband Israel, his daughter Heather Lynn Johnson and husband Peter Berndt; his stepchildren Paula Nance, Pamela Nance Coleman and husband David, and Mantle Nance and wife Sally; and eight grandchildren: Chris Myers, Zoe Saldana, Madeleine Berndt, Elizabeth Berry-Rhodes, Charlie Coleman, Tessa Coleman, Jackson Nance, and Aaron Nance. David was preceded in death by his parents, Hobart Orlando Johnson and Merla Bowman Johnson; by his wife Suzanne Edith Anita Markham Johnson; and by his siblings Laura Margaret Carter, Helen Elizabeth McCoury, Anna Frances van den Enden, and Kermit Arlin Johnson.

The family is planning a celebration of his life this fall. Details will be shared with family and friends as plans are finalized. Please check the Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home website for updates.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations such as: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or American Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.