Johnny Wayne Johnson

Johnny quietly fell asleep and awoke in the presence of his Lord and Saviour in Heaven on July 7, 2026.

He was born on August 1, 1950, in Norton, Va., son of the late Billy Wayne and Joann Nash Johnson. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his brother, Rickey Ellis Johnson; granddaughter, Virginia Estelle Johnson; great-grandson, Kasius Marcellus Clay; brother-in-law, Bob Lenz; father-in-law, Lester G. Wertz; mother-in-law, Pearl Chewning Wertz; and his beloved dog, "Annie".

Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 33 years, Linda Wertz Johnson; sister, Dottie Lenz; daughters, Shelby Dixon and her husband, Wayne, Melissa Akers and her husband, Seth, and Nisha Mckinney and her husband, Marcel; sons, Roderick Johnson and his wife, Nichole, and Chad Johnson and his wife, Claudia; step-son, Mike Martin; step-daughter, Dannielle Metts and her husband, Dean; 19 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and friends; special friends, Jeff and Susie Reynolds; and his beloved dog, "Daisy".

Johnny devoted more than 40 years of his life to driving a tractor-trailer, beginning his career in the 1970s. For 10 of those years, he proudly worked as an owner-operator alongside his beloved wife, Linda.

He found great joy in life's simple pleasures-decorating the house each Christmas, horseback riding, feeding the fish in our backyard Koi pond, sharing a good meal (especially steak or shrimp), taking family vacations, and celebrating birthdays with the people he loved most.

Johnny will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering kindness, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. His quirky, offbeat remarks often brought laughter (and sometimes a little embarrassment) and left lasting memories for those fortunate enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who find comfort in knowing that his earthly suffering has ended and that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, reunited with the loved ones who preceded him.

In accordance with Johnny's wishes, he has been cremated, and no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Johnny's memory may make a donation to the Salem Animal Shelter or the Roanoke Valley SPCA.