Obituary of Michael Ray Johnson

Michael Ray (Mike) Johnson, 70, of Hardy, went home to be with his Heavenly father on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.Mike was born November 15, 1945. He was preceded in death by his father, Carli Johnson; and family pets, Choo-Choo, Landie, Pepper, Delta and Raz.Mike attended Northside High School, and served in the United States Navy. He did construction work and was employed by the N & W Railway for 38 years. He was an avid outdoorsman with a special love for fishing, making fishing tackle, spending time with his fishing buddies, friends, and family. He loved each and every one.Mike never met a stranger. He loved his family and was a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He had a huge and kind heart and was always ready to help someone in need. Many looked up to him as a role model. He and the joy that he brought to our lives will be greatly missed. He will have a special place in our hearts, always.Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Lois Johnson; devoted wife of 49 years, Virginia Caldwell Johnson; daughter, Michelle Rena Gerst and husband, J. R. Gerst; brothers, Kenneth (Wanda) Johnson, Donald (Gloria) Johnson; sisters, Gale (Barry) Francisco, Joyce (Sam) Perdue; mother-in-law, Dorothy Caldwell; sister-in-law, Debora Caldwell; brothers-in-law, Ira, Robert, Nelson, Ronald, and Michael Caldwell; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his pet April.Mike was a member of Hollins Road Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and enjoyed participating in church activities. The church activity that he enjoyed the most was visiting church members who were in the nursing home.The family wishes to thank the many individuals, friends and family members for their thoughts, prayers, and visits at home and the hospital. A special thanks to Dr. Karri, the staff on 6 West at Lewis Gale Hospital, and the staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice for the loving and compassionate care he was given.Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Hollins Road Baptist Church.Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016 at Hollins Road Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road, 540-366-0707. Gone but not forgotten"I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4-7