Arthur Ray Johnson

Arthur Ray Johnson, aged 75, departed this Earth on Thursday May 21, 2015, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia. Arthur had been battling various illnesses for many years. He had two brothers that preceded him in death: LaSalle Johnson and Harry Johnson.

Arthur was born June 24th, 1939, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Charles Wesley and Lillian Basnight Johnson. His father moved to Skyco, NC, after leaving his position at the Norfolk Shipyard in Virginia, and established his own business.  Arthur relocated to Skyco to be closer to his parents, after having married his wife Nancy Caldwell Johnson in 1960. Arthur and Nancy purchased the lot next door and started their own family.

Even as a young child, Arthur had a fascination with fast cars and motorcycles, that turned into a lifelong passion. He opened his own garage in 1975 and had ten years of success with rebuilding, painting, and selling cars. He also had a successful wrecker business until his first open heart surgery in 1985. At that time, his health guided him into another career as a Supervisor with the NC Department of Transportation, where he remained until his retirement in 2001.

Arthur was well respected in the community and knew many people from all walks of life. He was a member of various organizations throughout the years. Arthur was very much a people person, and never met a stranger. He treated everyone the same regardless of their occupation or situation in life. He had a good work ethic and good sense of humor. He always tried to be fair to everyone, even when it wasn’t easy. One of his favorite sayings was: “Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

Arthur leaves behind his wife, Nancy, of 54 years, his daughter, Susan Payne, and grandchildren, Adam Payne and Kathleen Payne, all of Manteo, NC, and his daughter Lisa Fulmer of Grandy, NC. He is also survived by his sister in law, Carolyn Johnson, of Manteo, NC, whose husband Harry is deceased. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members, scattered throughout North Carolina, Virginia, California, Missouri, and Indiana.

A Memorial Service will be held at Gallop Funeral Home at 6917 South Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, on Wednesday, June 10th at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends after the service at their home in Skyco.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers contributions toward funeral expenses may be forwarded to Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. in Nags Head at 6917 South Croatan Highway.  Condolences may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.