Richard "Rich" Edison Johnson

Richard Edison Johnson, age 58, of Walnut Cove, NC passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House following an extended illness.

Rich was born October 3, 1967, in Owosso, Michigan where he grew up and graduated from Corunna High School. He relocated to Walnut Cove, NC in 1989 with his parents where he made his home for the last 36 years. Rich enjoyed working for SRM Paintworks as Speed Shop Manager until his illness in 2024. He could literally build a car from bottom up with his vast knowledge of fabrication and restoration. He had impeccable knowledge in anything he attempted to do.

Rich was the son of Virginia Johnson & the late Raymond E. Johnson, and grandson of the late Ted & Pauline Sweet and Charlie & Hazel Johnson.

Rich's love was family, his daughter Sahvanna was his life, never missing an event from the time she started school until she finished her nursing degree. If you mentioned her name, he would tell you the story of how he stood behind her, wanting the very best for his little girl.

Another of his greatest joys was restoring cars alongside his dad, including their most recent project--a 1970 Road Runner with a Hemi engine, a project they began together years ago. He was passionate about his hobby collecting guns, knives, and guitars. Rich & his dad played music for years as The Falcon Band. Rich could play "wipeout “on the drums like you have never heard. He will be missed by so many.

Rich is survived by his mother, Virginia Johnson and daughter, Sahvanna Ray (Johnson) Zuchick and husband Charlie. Also surviving are Rich’s special dog that he called his "service dog", Hank; special friend since high school and love of his life, Lori Koch; aunt, Carol George; uncles, John Johnson, Carl & James Sweet; and many special cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA, followed by entombment at Greenhills Memory Gardens,11800 Gov George C. Peery Hwy, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home prior to the service. Rich’s son-in-law and cousins will serve as pallbearers.