Dr. Raymond Johnson

Dr. Raymond Frank Johnson, 75, of Clemmons, NC, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Ray was born on November 6, 1947, in Miami, FL, to the late Frank T Johnson and Constance Finwall Johnson. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Beverly Davis Johnson; his two daughters, Kimberly Nelson (Brian and Kaitlyn Nelson), Jennifer Johnson, siblings Bonnie Dixon (and family) and Glen Johnson (and family), and sister-in law Nan Davis (and family).

A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, with Dr. James Nelson officiating. A Memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023, (time to be announced) at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Ardmore Baptist Church Memorial fund (gifts will support the Belgium missionary partnership) www.ardmorebaptist.org

Developmental Disabilities of Georgia ddmga.org/ or

Anthrow Circus through Artists For Community Transformation www.anthrowcircus.com

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Ray Johnson lived a life filled with adventure, love, and determination. Born in Miami, Ray grew up surrounded by nature, swimming with manatees, and being chased by alligators. He learned to appreciate the beauty of the world from an early age touring the country with his grandparents in an Airstream trailer. From his parents and grandparents he learned life long lessons including hard work, getting his hands dirty, generosity, sense of humor, and a love of travel.

Ray graduated from North Miami High School, Stetson University, New Orleans Theological Seminary, and obtained his Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. He served as Minister of Youth and Education at First Baptist Church Cornelia, GA and Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, GA., and as the Director of the Education Division at the Georgia Baptist Convention. He retired as Vice President for Developmental Disabilities Ministry of Georgia. Ray also served in the US Army Reserves and received an honorable discharge as a Captain in the US Army Corps of Engineers. As a member of the More Than Gold Olympics Committee, he worked with people around the world, helping to provide support and housing for family members of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. After retirement, Ray continued to serve in several capacities at Johns Creek Baptist Church.

Ray was dedicated to his wife and two daughters, who filled the house with their big dreams, strong wills, and even stronger opinions! As a family, they traveled across the United States, seeing the world through the windows of planes, trains, and the family van. Ray met his wife, Bev, in New Orleans and they were engaged and married in less than a year. For many years, Ray and Bev called Norcross, GA, home with their two daughters, Kim and Jen. They later retired to Winston-Salem, NC to be near their grand-daughter Kaitlyn Nelson. He was the family tour guide, financial advisor, spiritual guide, always ready to offer guidance and support.

Ray was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was a walking encyclopedia and a gifted speaker. He was a man of strong faith, always open to learning new things, with a contagious laugh and a natural ability to connect with people. A true Renaissance man who was equally at home fixing a leaky pipe, trying a new recipe, or teaching a class. His family inherits his big eyes and big laugh, his sense of adventure, curiosity, frustration with uncooperative inanimate objects, and also his love of ACC basketball, UGA football, gardening, history, and the arts.

Ray’s everlasting impact will continue to be felt by those who knew and loved him. We will always remember his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering service to his family and community. Rest in peace, Ray.