Hurley Walser Johnson, Sr.

Hurley Walser Johnson, Sr. was born March 21, 1930 and was the son of Theodore Roosevelt Johnson and Addie Hester Groce Johnson. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Hurley retired from Unifi and continued to be active through his gardening. His pride and joy came from his tomatoes and watermelons and enjoying sharing his harvest with the community. Another legacy Hurley passed down was his skill for making molasses. This was a time that was greatly enjoyed by friends and family. Hurley took part and thoroughly enjoyed the Yadkin Farmers Market. He always looked forward to this time with friends and sharing his produce and plants. Hurley was a great baseball pitcher and was sought after by the New York Yankees but was called to serve in United States Army. He was very patriotic and loved his country. Sunday afternoons were a highlight for Hurley during the Nascar season where he always pulled for the “Ford”. He had a great sense of humor and was always pulling pranks on his family. He was just “One of a kind”. He loved his family and was affectionately known as “Poppie” by his grandchildren. He showed his love by attending numerous events that the grandchildren were involved in. Hurley was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Shore Johnson on January 9, 2022. He is also survived by his sister, Reta Johnson of High Point, NC; five children, Hurley Johnson, Jr. (Diann) of Yadkinville, Erica Johnson of Yadkinville, Jason Johnson (Cindy) of Yadkinville, Byron Johnson (Brenda) of Roaring River, and Lisa Johnson (Diane) of Vail, AZ; eight grandchildren, Aaron Johnson (Kathy) of Yadkinville, Melia Howard (Kyle) of Union Grove, Cassie Vipond (Weston) of Hamilton, VA, Grant Johnson of Winston-Salem, Katie Johnson Bishop of Hamptonville, Elliott Johnson of Greensboro, Alex Johnson of Winston-Salem, and Samantha Osteen (Jake) of Mills River; nine great-grandchildren; and other special family members and caregivers. He also leaves behind his little dog, Jewel, who he treasured. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Hamptonville. He will Lie-in-State from 12:00PM to 5:00PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 and from 8:00AM to 12:00PM on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Memorials to honor Hurley may go to the Gideons International. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Johnson family.