BATTLEBORO – Terry Richard Johnson, age 73, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Born in Onslow County, NC on November 25, 1950, he was the son of the late Lionel Walter Johnson and Vallie Mae Lancaster Burgess. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Roy Johnson, and George Lionel Johnson.
Terry proudly served his Country with 21 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Serving in the Vietnam War, he was discharged and re-enlisted in 1981 and went to Ranger School. He jumped into Grenada in October 1983, earning his Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Distinction. He became a Jump Master and a Master Blaster. He also earned several medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), the Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Vietnam Service Medal, just to name a few. He was truly a well decorated and respected soldier. Terry retired from the United States Army in 1998 as a Sergeant First Class. Terry was also an active member of the American Legion Post 58 and was the co-founder of the Legion Riders.
Terry was a very devoted Christian and was an active member of Selma Church of Christ where he taught Bible classes. He attended church faithfully until his time of declining health. Terry enjoyed working in his garden where he had a wide variety of vegetables, including okra, tomatoes, corn, carrots, and his well-known running beans that were loved by his family. He could often be found enjoying listening to classic rock or bluegrass music, or woodworking. As you can see Terry was very versatile and multifaceted, a very talented man.
Terry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Olivia Harper Johnson; daughters, Amanda Clark, and husband Jay, of Battleboro, and Wendy Johnson, and Jim Smith, of North Franklin, CT; sons, Michael Paul Walker, and wife, Dee-Dee, of Rocky Mount, NC, and Noah Williams Walker, of Lizella, GA; grandchildren, Bethany Walker-Weberg, and fiancé, Oleg Ostapiv, Cassidy Crawford, Karley Crawford, and Rachel Fellner; sisters, Valerie Blanton, and Gail Truett Smith, and husband James; brother, David Burgess, and wife Margie; special friends, Ann Johnson, and Mark Bulluck; and his beloved canine companions, Milly and Peaches.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Brother John Dupree officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Terry’s memory to Selma Church of Christ, PO Box 13 Selma, NC 27576.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Our sincere condolences to your family. We pray you find comfort knowing that them who love the Lord live forever in heaven. Brother Terry was an amazing inspiration for us, and he will truly be missed, but never forgotten.
We love you all,
Brother Horace and Sister Dorothy Sanders
RIP Warrior. I served in Aco 2nd PLT 1st Ranger Bn. with Terry(Pops) He was an amazong Ranger. A lot older then the rest of us yougins. He showed us what intestinal fortitude looked like. Terry will be missed. Rangers lead the Way.
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. May God strengthen each of you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Olivia.
Vickie Ezzell Hall
Terry will be greatly missed. Love you Olivia!
We are thinking of you during this difficult time, please feel free to reach out if you need anything. We love you all!
Q: What 3 words best describe Terry and why?
A: Terry you will truly be missed! You were loved by all that knew you. You were Giving, loving and dedicated to God, Family and of course our country! 🇺🇸 You never turned down helping anyone if they ask that of you. We love you Terry so much and you will stay in our memories and hearts forever, Fly High our dear friend and know we will look after Olivia and be there for her if ever she need us. ❤️ please know this Olivia!!
All our Love,
Jim & Cindy Taylor
Q: What 3 words best describe Terry and why?
A: Terry you will truly be missed! You were loved by all that knew you. You were Giving, loving and dedicated to God, Family and of course our country! 🇺🇸 You never turned down helping anyone if they ask that of you. We love you Terry so much and you will stay in our memories and hearts forever, Fly High our dear friend and know we will look after Olivia and be there for her if ever she need us. ❤️ please know this Olivia!!
All our Love,
Jim & Cindy Taylor
RLTW
RIP Warrior and friend
Sending love and prayers today .
Rest in peace sarge. It was such a blessing to have met you and to be part of your family. I have great pics of Georgia and you at our wedding. You will be missed and I pray God is with your family through these times of grief. Thank you for your service and I hope you and George are back together.