Gerald Johnson | Dec. 26, 1951-Feb. 22, 2016

Robert Gerald Johnson

Born Dec. 26, 1951 Wilson, NC
Died Feb. 22, 2016 Smithfield, NC
Buried in Carter’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Kenly, NC
Married Sara Ann Bass on Jan. 8, 1971, in North Carolina

Gerald, the oldest son of William Robert and Mary Frances Pope Johnson, was born Dec. 26, 1951, in Woodard-Herring Hospital, Wilson, North Carolina.

Gerald grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County, near Selma, North Carolina. He learned to work hard from an early age. Tobacco was labor-intensive, and as the oldest son, he had lots of responsibilities. His dad depended on him.

When quite young, he drove the two-level tobacco harvester in the field. The tobacco stringers were on this level.

He soon graduated to sitting and cropping the tobacco on the first level of the harvester. Growing tobacco took most of the year from planting seeds in January, preparing the land, setting out the plants, re-setting, hoeing, suckering, harvesting, curing, grading, tying hands, and taking them to market in the fall.

Gerald attended Selma High School when area teens loved driving their cars, circling Brown’s Bar B-Q in Selma. Brown’s was known as the place for young people to gather, everyone who was somebody congregated.

He planned to go with a friend to a drag race when pretty Sara Ann Bass waved at him. Immediately he turned around and went back to talk to her. He forgot about the race. They were both smitten and soon they were a steady twosome. Ann is the daughter of Archie Jackson Bass and Sarah Virginia Little, and granddaughter of Lillie May Deans and John Robert Bass.

Ann and Gerald were married in Parrish Memorial Church on January 8, 1971. This was during a sleet storm.

Gerald went to truck driving school at Johnston Community College. He finished first in his class and was immediately hired to drive a tanker truck. Later he started his own business after purchasing a dump truck. Then Gerald hauled freight.

It was a good fit when he joined Estes Express Lines in Smithfield, known for quality service. He worked here until his death. This illustrates the conscientious and dedicated of Gerald. Saturday, a day before he was taken to Wake Med in severe pain, he inspected all the company vehicles.

Estes was started in 1931 by W.W. Estes hauling farm supplies in his Chevy truck in Virginia. It is still privately owned and covers all 50 states. Gerald’s parents were members of Carter’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Gene joined too. He was an active member for more than fifty years. Over the years he served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Leader and member of the Men’s Brotherhood.

Gerald grew up with dogs and when he saw any strays, he brought them home and they were added to the pack. Dogs were special to Gerald and his parents indulged his loved for animals. One day he joined the neighborhood kids swimming in the river. He noticed 2 stray pups and took them home. His mama gave one a unique name, Useless.

Useless remained a faithful member of the family for many years. Gerald continued rescuing animals all of his life, including his special last dog, Dee. She enthusiastically greeted him every day when he came home. Gerald could never hunt because of his love for animals.

Gerald and Ann had a very close relationship. He was the love of her life. He was strong and the rock, his mother and siblings relied on.

Gerald was a genuine happy person and had a smile for everyone. He was interested in people and excelled at lifting spirits of many who needed a helping hand. When he saw a need, he quietly went to work. He never sought accolades for going the extra mile.

Passing

Gerald died on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in the SECU (State Employees' Credit Union) Hospice House of Smithfield, N.C.

His funeral service was Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Carter’s Chapel Church. The Rev. Tim Sitter and Elder Harold Pittman officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sara Ann Bass Johnson, daughter Denise Amy Johnson Peedin, husband Shannon, granddaughters: Carly Sara Peedin and Chloe Elizabeth Peedin. Sisters: Connie Johnson Moore, husband Ray; Marsha Johnson Barfield; Renee Johnson Futch, husband Chris. Brother: Joseph Raymond Johnson. Nieces: Dodie Moore Headley, husband Cole, children: Grayson and Lanie; Lydia Futch. Nephews: Brandon Johnson, wife Jamie, children Colby and Caylee; Kevin Hartley, wife Brenda, children: Kassi, Trinity, and Kendal. Aunts: Betty Lou Hare Pope, Carol A. Pope. Uncle: Marshall Barnes Pope, wife Jean.

Gerald was preceded in death by brother-in-law: Aubrey Kent Barfield. Uncles: Raymond Eugene "Gene" Pope, and wife Grace, Charles Ray Pope, Henry "Speck" Claiborne Pope, and wife Carol Ann. First cousin: Randy Nelson 'Newt' Pope.