SOUTHPORT — Robert G. “Bob” Johnson of St. James Plantation, Southport, NC, entered his eternal home on September 16, 2023. He passed away at the Lower Cape Fear Care Center in Bolivia.
Bob was born on January 18, 1949 in DuBois, PA. He was the son of Robert and Margaret (Reed) Johnson. On November 28, 2008 he married Janine K. Johnson, who survives.
Following graduation from DuBois Area High School in 1967, Bob attended Pennsylvania State University, where he was active in the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, eventually serving as District Director of the fraternity. For the Commonwealth Campus at DuBois, Bob served on the Educational Foundation Board. Penn State DuBois recognized him with the 2018 Distinguished Ambassador Award.
After graduating from Penn State in 1973, Bob joined the family business, where he had worked since his teenage years. Almost immediately he assumed full management of Johnson Motors after an accident left his father a quadriplegic. In DuBois, Johnson Motors was known as an outstanding corporate citizen, supporting many charities and organizations in DuBois and the surrounding areas. For its long-term commitment to supporting the area and for its integrity in a successful business, Johnson Motors was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award by the DuBois Area Jaycees.
Bob had a heart for Goodwill Industries and its mission. He served on the local Goodwill board for over six years and held board positions that included Secretary and Vice President. For the newly established Goodwill Family Foundation Bob was President.
For all of the many successes in his professional life, it is his personal life that is his legacy and for which he will be remembered. He was a man who served his Lord and Savior by his compassion, his honesty, his integrity, his loyalty and his love of family and friends. As a member of the Lakeside United Methodist Church, he was Lay Leader for seven years. He chaired a successful capital campaign at the church. Many committees at Lakeside on which he was a member benefited by his wise counsel and thoughtful approach to leadership. For many years, Bob was the Adult Sunday School Teacher for the Come and See Class.
As he approached retirement and made the decision to sell Johnson Motors, a family-owned business for over 60 years, in 2018 Bob and his wife Janine moved to St. James Plantation, Southport, NC, a special place that became home to them. Bob continued to serve God at Ocean View United Methodist Church as a faithful member and on the SPRC.
Looking for additional ways to participate in his new community, in he recently joined the Lions Club International of Oak Island.
In addition to his wife Janine, Bob is survived by his son, Kevin G. Johnson, DuBois, PA; his brother, Kurt Johnson (Mindy), DuBois, PA; his sister-in-law, Patti Johnson, Charlottesville, VA; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews (whom Bob loved to take on shopping sprees when visiting Charlottesville for family reunions); and, his extensive family of friends. Not to be overlooked is his beloved Australian Labradoodle, Subie. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bill and his sister-in-law, Pamm Chaney.
All of his family and friends will miss his engaging smile, his gentle nature and his love.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to either Ocean View United Methodist Church, 8400 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Goodwill Industries of North Central PA, Falls Creek, PA 15840, or to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Ocean View United Methodist Church, 8400 Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465. Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m.
The celebration of life service at Ocean View United Methodist Church, Oak Island, NC will be live-streamed and may be viewed at DuBois Lakeside Church, 420 First Street, DuBois, PA, starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7. Please contact the Lakeside church office at (814) 371-8930 for complete details.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here.
