Gene Clifton Johnson

GARNER – Gene “Cliff” Johnson left his earthly body and entered the gates of heaven on Monday, April 10, 2017. Cliff was born and raised in the Elevation Community of Johnston County. He graduated from Four Oaks High School and attended Louisburg College. He then served two years in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked his entire career at A.E. Finley Associates. He married Frances Altman in 1956, who predeceased him. They had two children, Debbie and Gene. In 2012, he married Peggy Wilkins, who survives him. Cliff was active in the Civitan Club of Garner for over fifty years and won many awards from this organization, including Man of the Year. He supported and coached Little League baseball for a number of years and worked in the Pop Warner football program and was involved in American Legion baseball. Through these sports programs, he influenced the lives of many young men growing up in Garner. He loved all sports. He particularly enjoyed watching his son and grandsons play baseball. Cliff was a lifelong Yankees fan and cheered on the Wolfpack. First Presbyterian Church was dear to Cliff’s heart. Over the years, he served as a deacon, superintendent of the Sunday School and worked on many projects behind the scenes. He loved seeing a need and taking care of it. Cliff loved people – his family, friends (old and new), Garner Civitan Club, First Presbyterian Church, bridge, his poker group, the Walker’s group at First Baptist Church, the Friday night supper group where he often was the only man, and, of course, any sport with a ball. He just loved people and people loved him. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Wilkins; his daughter, Debbie Brannan (Danny); son, Gene Johnson (Sue Ellen); granddaughter, Heather Weaver, and grandsons, Dylan and Daniel Johnson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the First Presbyterian Church of Garner, 503 Lakeside Drive, Garner, NC 27529. Visitation will be at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner on April 12 from 6-8 pm. Graveside services will be held at 10 am on Thursday, April 13 at Montlawn Cemetery. His Memorial Service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Garner at 11 am on April 13 with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.