BURGAW — Joab Frederick “Red Eye” Johnson, Jr., farmer, hunter, athlete and friend to many, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
He was born at Wards Corner, NC, June 8, 1933, the son of the late Joab Johnson, Sr. and Edith Hoover Johnson. He was also predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Emily Cashwell Johnson; and his sister, Ann Hoover Johnson Dees.
Joab is survived by his son, Joab F. “Ab” Johnson, III and wife Stephanie; daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Johnson Collawn and husband, Jimmy; and lifelong friend and sister, Susie Johnson; grandchildren, Emma Ruth Johnson Tart (Austin), Joe Johnson, Emily Collawn Kruse (Alex), Maggie Collawn and Anna Collawn; great-grandchildren, Gray Johnson Tart and Jimmy Kruse. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Don Cashwell; sisters-in-law, Mary Frache’ (Denny), Prudy Bradley (Larry), Janet Holt; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joab graduated from Burgaw High School, Class of 1951, then attended UNC-Chapel Hill where he played football. During his army service, 1953-55, Joab served in Korea where he was a member of the Korean & American Baseball League and earned the Most Valuable Player award.
Joab loved Pender County and enjoyed all our county has to offer. He was an avid hunter, raising and training countless hounds and bird dogs. In 1960, Joab was awarded Most Outstanding Farmer for Pender County by the Jaycees. For more than 45 years he farmed tobacco, corn, and soybeans for more than 45 years. Joab also for a time raised a herd of black angus cows. He was active in managing the timberland on the family’s Century Farm.
Joab was a member of the Burgaw Presbyterian Church, a member of the local VFW, and served on the local Advisory Board of First Citizens Bank.
The family will receive friends Friday, May 17, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw.
A graveside service and burial will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Johnson Family Cemetery with Danny Justice officiating.
The family would like to especially thank his caregivers Ruth Halls and Barbara Raynor and his special friends Melvin Whitehead, Nelson Bland, and Clifford White.
His family requests that those wishing to honor Joab’s memory consider a donation in his name to Burgaw Presbyterian Church, PO Box 565, Burgaw, NC 28425.
“Well Good.”
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
