Nathan Ray Johnson

Nathan Ray Johnson, 84, of Lillington passed away, Monday, April 10, 2023 at his home. Nathan was born August 9, 1938 in Harnett County to the late Chesley & Arlie Wester Johnson. He was the baby of nine children.

Nathan attended Lillington High School and enlisted in the US Navy on his 18th birthday. He was stationed on the Destroyer USS Colohan. He was discharged in 1960 and became a farmer who tended tobacco, corn, soybeans, and grain. He farmed land of a favorite "Uncle" Travis Wester. He also raised cows, hogs, and goats. He especially loved growing things and so each year he planted a big garden and shared the vegetables with family & friends.

Nathan & Mable traveled on bus tours for 30 years & visited most of the 50 states, as well as Nova Scotia, Canada, & Mexico. They met many great friends on these trips. His 3 favorite rides were his golf cart, lawnmower, and his John Deere tractor.

Nathan was preceded in death by his brothers: Aaron Johnson, John M. Johnson, and Larry Johnson and sisters: Florine Penny, Jessie Cannady, and Edith Mangum.

Nathan is survived by his wife of almost 61 years: Mable McDonald Mason Johnson, sons David (Tammy) of Holly Springs, & Neal, of Lillington, daughter Kim Redding (Donnie) of Lillington & six grandchildren: Ashton, Hayley, & Parrish Redding, Landis Johnson, Joseph Redding, and Ryht Johnson, sisters, Ramona Bethune of Bunnlevel and Doris Peebles of Lillington and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be at O'Quinn Peebles Phillips Funeral Home Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 6 to 8 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 11AM at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, 2793 Highway 210 North with Rev. Barrett Payne officiating. Memorials may be made to Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 1332, Lillington, NC 27546.

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