Committal
Walter Melvin Johnson Jr, 82, of Morganton went home with Jesus on 02/23/2024 after winning his fight with ALS.
He was a native of Burke County, born 12/26/1941 to the late Walter Melvin Johnson and Eula Mae Baker Johnson.
He was a master craftsman and enjoyed woodworking. After serving with the United States Army, he worked for Drexel Furniture for 9 years before devoting his career to work with the special needs population at what is now the J Iverson Riddle Developmental Center for 28 years sharing his love and knowledge of woodworking.
Above all, he was a Christian and loved his Lord. He was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church of Morganton. He was devoted to his family, second only to his love for God. His greatest desire was that all would come to know Christ as their Saviour and made sure his family was raised to know the importance of salvation.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Johnson; daughter, Melanie Hensley (Scott) of Morganton; son, Mark Johnson (Lori) of Hotchkiss, Colorado; granddaughters Maegan Hensley of Lenoir and Gracie Hensley of Morganton; grandsons Lane Johnson and Case Johnson of Hotchkiss, Colorado, and a number of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and special friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mattie Suttles of Morganton.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Burkemont Baptist Church. The funeral will follow 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton officiating. Military honors will be provided by the US Army.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association at https://donateals.org.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Judy, So sorry to hear of the passing of Dear Melvin. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Melvin’s passing. I pray for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Melvin, thank you for the many times, when we needed a sense of direction in our work day, and sought out your perspective on the topic. Your respect for others was so admirable You helped in laying the groundwork for a very unique training program designed around persons with special needs. We will miss you mild-mannered positive approaches in life. Judy-thanks for loaning Melvin to us . Remembering you and family in our prayers. Marsha and Jerry Reynolds
I’m blessed to have known Melvin and come to know his family. I was saddened to hear the news that Melvin had passed away but I know that he’s with Our Heavenly Father in a new glorified body. I’m blessed that I was able to help take care of him and he will dearly be missed. Praying for you Mrs Judy and the family 🙏
Melvin and Judy are dear friends and I have known Judy since we worked at Henredon Furniture Company. After that we remained friends and of course Melvin made sure he was in the equation. He was a dear friend as well and always talking to me about the Lord. There is no question in my mind that he will not be meeting any strangers in heaven. Rest In Peace Melvin. Judy you will always be in my mind and in my prayers. God’s got you. Love and comfort to Mark and Melanie.
I met Melvin at WCC (JIRDC) and I found he was a person who was easy to talk to and seem to be a no nonsense person. He would always greet you no matter where our paths crossed. He would talk about his daughter and how proud he was of her accomplishments. So long for now my friend. Gary
Judy and the families, I was so sorry to hear of Melvin’s passing. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers for Comfort, Grace, Peace, and healing in Melvin’s passing.