Edward Thomas Johnson, 88, of Rustburg, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, in Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of the late Frances Austin Johnson.

Born in Amherst on April 21, 1915, he was a son of the late Percy and Cleia Watts Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was a member of Suffolk Christian Church, and had retired as an electrical contractor.

Mr. Johnson was active in masonry for 47 years and was an honorary member of Suffolk Masonic Lodge No. 30, Nansemond Masonic Lodge No. 77 and McAlister Masonic Lodge No. 185. He was appointed to the Grand Lodge AF&AM of the Virginia Committee on Work in 1979 and served in that appointment until his death.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law. Patricia J. and Jack Gayle of Portsmouth; and Pamella J. and Jerry Booth of Rustburg; grandchildren, Jack M. Gayle Jr., Tommy G. Irving, Wanda G. Rusinak, Edward J. Gayle, and Frances M. Booth; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Stanley W. Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth of Franklin.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, in Suffolk Christian Church by the Rev. Michael D. Halley. Interment with Masonic rites will follow in Bethlehem Christian Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, Va. 23439, or to Suffolk Christian Church Organ Fund, P.O. Box 1457, Suffolk, Va. 23439.

R.W. Baker and Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.