Carl Wayne Johnson
Nov. 13, 1925 – Oct. 13, 2015

Carl Wayne Johnson, 89, of Oriental, NC went to be with his Lord on October 13, 2015. He was born at Springs Creek, North Carolina on November 13, 1925.

He is predeceased by his parents, Richard Carl and Myrtle Tuten Johnson, along with siblings, Opal Johnson Potter, Audrey Johnson Rollins, Ottmar Johnson and favorite aunt, Plum Johnson Edwards.

Carl Wayne Johnson is survived by two loving daughters, Carlee Sears Johnson and special friend Michael Geaney, daughter, Saundra Johnson-Clark, and husband Donald J. Clark, mother of daughters, Jackie Sears Johnson, grandchildren, Ryan Keith Vinson and wife Sonya Vinson, Brenton Carl Vinson, Brittney Sarah DiSesa and husband, Drew DiSesa, great-grandchildren, Jack Alan DiSesa, Will John DiSesa, nieces, Jackie P. Potter, Theresa Potter Hopkins, nephew, Johnnie Wayne Potter and many loving cousins.

Mr. Johnson proudly served as the youngest Lieutenant Commander to ever enter the United States Merchant Marine, serving in World War II from 1943-1946. He then served in Korea 1950 to 1952, with the 10th Army Airborne Ranger Company as a Sergeant. Some of his greatest times were at the Airborne Ranger’s reunions, marching in the parades and being with his Airborne Ranger buddies telling stories.

Carl was known to support so many charities and helped individuals without ever seeking acknowledgement. Closest to his heart was his South Creek Missionary Baptist Church – memo “For the Lord.” He loved his country, and fought bravely as a soldier and then as a citizen, seeking to return his beloved America back to her foundational roots. He actively supported the following organizations: Christian Action Network, NC Republican Party, American Center for Law and Justice, Freedom Watch, American Border Patrol, Concerned Women for America, Tea Party Patriot Citizen Fund, United States Justice Foundation, Legal Defense Fund, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Civil Rights Union and Young Americans Foundation.

Carl Wayne Johnson graduated from Aurora High School and attended North Carolina State University. He worked as a multi-state Builder/Land Developer from 1955 to 1995. He served the NC Homebuilders Association in the 1960s and as President in 1967.  Mr. Johnson loved being out on the water boating, fishing and served as a Lieutenant Commander of the Kinston Power Squadron. Carl traveled extensively throughout the world and said, “There is no greater country on earth than America.”

Carl Wayne Johnson, Father “Papason,” Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Army Airborne Ranger Comrade will be forever in our memories and in our hearts. To this, Carl would have said, “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!”

The visitation will be at 2 pm, followed by the Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 3 pm and graveside Military Honor Tribute, all held at South Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 1074 South Creek Rd, Aurora, on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Carl Wayne Johnson’s daughter, Reverend Saundra Johnson-Clark officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Creek Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Celia Ellis, 954 Indian Island Rd., Aurora, NC 27806. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences for the family may be offered online: www.bryantfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.