Wiley Herman Johnson

Wiley Herman Johnson, 85, of Penny Road entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday.   Wiley was born on January 1, 1930 in Johnston County, NC. He entered the Navy and served as a First Class Seaman and was a Gunnar’s Mate on the USS Uhlmann during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and given a purple heart. Wiley was a Raleigh Police Officer and was a Beat Cop when he met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married for 51.5 years. Wiley was a devoted Husband, Father, Brother, and Friend. Wiley never met a stranger. He was a faithful member of Swift Creek Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and also served on several committees, including Finance, Transportation, and as an Usher. Wiley was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a great listener and full of wisdom. He had a quick wit and was a pleasure to be around. He loved wood-working in his shop and took great pride in maintaining his beautiful property. He loved animals, especially dogs. He thoroughly enjoyed and loved his neighbors and his wonderful Wednesday morning breakfast buddies. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Swift Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following graveside service. Preceding him in death were his parents, Marvin and Martha Johnson, his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Dickens Johnson, his brothers, David Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, and sister, Mary Johnson McGee. Left with all the loving memories and happy times through all the years together, are his son, Richard D. Womble (Doreen) of Bowling Green, VA; daughters, Beverly J. Brock of Hickory, NC; Sherry J. Dendy (Larry) of Ayden, NC and Susan Martell (Ray) of Albemarle, NC. Also surviving are his siblings, Raymond “Bud” Johnson (Jewell) of Fuquay, NC; Pearl Johnson Strickland (Albert) of Fuquay, NC and Tommy Johnson (Vickie) of Delco, NC; his grandchildren, Trista Powell (John); Jason Womble (Melissa); Lacy Brock Geary (Chad); Jenna Brock Newcomb (Matt); Heather Dendy Greer (Chip); Eric Joseph Dendy; Katie Young (Dan); Steven Blackmon (April); his great grandchildren, Kyle Anglin (Melissa); Curtis Anglin; Josh Powell and Alexandra (David Ramsey); Connor and Gracen Geary and Levi D. Newcomb. His great-great grandchildren are Laina and Sara Anglin; Aiden, Bryleigh and Camden Ramsey. He is also survived by his dearest friend, Ruby Ward, of Elizabethtown, NC. Wiley’s life was exemplified by service and sacrifice which he passed onto his children.   He chose to commute over 180 miles, 3 times a week, then driving more miles in a tractor trailer rig while allowing his family the opportunity to remain in Fairview Community. This afforded them the pleasure to continue to live among their friends, family and go to the same church and school. Pallbearers will be: Richard D. Womble (son), Jason Womble (grandson), Eric Dendy (grandson), JK Mills (nephew), Kenneth Johnson (nephew) Kyle Anglin (great grandson) and John Powell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Swift Creek Baptist Church,   9300 Penny Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.