In Memory

Joel Anthony Johnson

Joel Anthony Johnson

Joel Anthony Johnson, Raleigh, N.C. 
September 18, 1938 - January 25, 2024

Joel Anthony Johnson Sr, 85, of Raleigh, NC, passed away January 25th at 6:36 pm.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonda, children Roland, Melanie and Anthony (Tonya); grandchildren Jonathan (Kristina), Christopher (Ashley), Luke, Jimmy, Michael and Kerri; great grandchildren Kenzie, Willow, Jameson, Michael Jr., Lily, Arielle and Hunter; sister Jeannie and multiple cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents James and Annie, as well as his siblings James Johnson, Elizabeth “Lib” Parker, Bertha “Bert” Medlin, Mildred Kalsey, Lois Underhill, Betsy Anne Smith and William Johnson.

Joel was born in Raleigh in 1938, spending the majority of his childhood in the Caraleigh neighborhood. He was the 8th of nine children to Annie and James M. Johnson.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout prior to graduating from Broughton High school in 1957. Some of the oak trees planted as part of his Eagle Scout project still stand at Caraleigh Baptist Church off of Summit Avenue in Raleigh.

Joel was a proud US Army veteran, paratrooper, Expert Infantry Badge recipient (along with numerous other military awards) who served in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg as well as the 8th Infantry Division in Germany during the late 1950s. 

Joel used the GI Bill to earn a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked with the Department of Transportation, primarily in Bridge Maintenance for over 30 years.

Possessing an unparalleled work ethic, he ran successful security guard and later burglar alarm businesses while working full time as an engineer for the State of North Carolina. He was incredibly proud that he held the 8th license granted by the NC Alarm System Licensing Board. He was a respected businessman in the community with a reputation for quality work, integrity, honesty and fairness.

Joel (“Lone Wolf” to his Y / Indian Guides tribe in the 1980s) was an avid hunter, spending many weekends with his hunting buddies at the “Hunting Club” in Caswell County.

Joel was intensely loyal to his family, friends and church community. Joel attended Caraleigh Baptist Church as a child and returned as an adult to serve as Deacon as his father did. Joel has many ties and friends (some from childhood) at Caraleigh Baptist.

He was married to his beloved wife LaVonda for 62 years. Taking care of his family was Joel’s priority. “Grandaddy” was loved by all.

Source of obituary: Bryan Lee Funeral Homes, Raleigh; News & Observer, January 28, 2024