William Ramon Johnson Sr.

Published 5:30 pm Saturday, August 8, 2015

ASHEVILLE — William Ramon Johnson Sr., 94, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at Mission Hospital.

Johnson

Johnson

Born in Suffolk, Mr. Johnson was the last surviving sibling of nine children of the late William L. and Susie Estell Benton Johnson. He retired as a manager from Carolina Tractor Co. and was a member of Central United Methodist Church. He attained the rank of major in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during World War II, completing

107 missions in P47 Thunderbolts over the European theater from England, France and Belgium and three missions over Kiska, Alaska in A24 Divebomber.

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In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of more than 64 years, Agnes Bowen Johnson.

Survivors are his sons, Bob Johnson, of Asheville, and Ray Johnson (Julie), of Charlotte; daughter, Susan J. Blackmon (John), of Atlanta, Ga.; and grandchildren, Anna and Laura Johnson and Lou Blackmon.

A funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rob Blackburn officiating. Interment will follow in Green Hills Cemetery including military honors.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Central UMC, 27 Church St., Asheville, NC 28801.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family, and the online memorial is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.