WILMINGTON — Durwood Louis Johnson, born on January 22, 1938, Sampson County, NC, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, at home in Wilmington, NC at age 86.
Durwood grew up in Turkey, NC where he enjoyed fishing and hunting during his youth. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy. He served in the Navy Anti-submarine Warfare outfit before he transferred to the Navy Aviation “Top Gun” training unit. While being stationed in California, he attended Imperial Valley College.
After leaving the military, he was employed in the dental equipment and supply business for 45 years during which time he held sales and management positions. Once retired he moved to the coast where he enjoyed both inshore and offshore fishing.
During most of his adult life, he was an avid motorcyclist. He not only promoted motorcycle competition but also competed in many endurance competition events.
He was very involved in Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel on Topsail Beach. He co-chaired the Benevolence Program with his wife, Teresa, for 7 years prior to being selected to serve on the Board of Governors, during which time he served a term as Chairman of the board and then a 3-year term as a trustee.
Later in life, his passion became spending time in his woodworking shop in his log home in the North Carolina mountains. He referred to his workshop as his “Happy Place”.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lewis Austin Johnson and Edna Lee Johnson, his son, Michael Johnson; his daughter Leigh Ann Nance; and brother, Harry Johnson..
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Teresa Neely Johnson; daughter, Sherry Krise (Russell) of Conway, SC; Stepson, Jeff Harker of Wilmington; brother, Jack Johnson (Alice) of Youngsville, NC; grandsons: Garrett Johnson, Hunter Nance, Jay Nance and Drake Harker, also five great grandchildren.
Donations in Durwood’s memory can be made to Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel, Topsail Beach, NC.
Funeral Service is at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Johnson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Johnson Family Cemetery in Turkey, NC, with the US Navy performing military honors.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
