Russell Lowell Johnson

Russell Lowell Johnson, 87 of Clarkton, North Carolina passed away Friday, June 21, 2024. The son of the late Haskell and Clarice Johnson, he was born in Lackey, Kentucky on November 26, 1936.

Russ leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Jimmie Nolen Johnson; sons Mark Johnson (Carol) of Crestview, FL and Bryan Johnson of Lexington, KY; daughters Sonya Barber (George) of Clarkton, NC, and Rusti Dyals (Dale) of Thomasville, GA; one brother Robert Johnson of Ashland, KY and sister Linda Carol Johnson of Ashland, KY; two nephews Jeff Johnson and Brent Johnson; and three grandsons Jacob, Gabriel, and Luke Barber.

Russ led a full and interesting life. He was born in a coal mining camp and grew upon the family farm in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1962 with a degree in business. His career spanned 43 years as a purchasing agent for Irvin Industries, Linkbelt and Hinkle Contracting, Inc. In 1965 Kentucky Governor Edward Breathitt commissioned Russ as a Kentucky Colonel, Kentucky’s highest honor, for business services rendered to the state.

Russ loved the outdoors. He farmed for over four decades raising burley tobacco and Hereford cattle in Nicholas Count, Kentucky. He was also an avid beekeeper and enjoyed passing his knowledge of bees to his children and grandchildren.

 He and Jimmie retired at the age of 70 and moved to North Carolina to be closer to their grandchildren.

 A private service will be held.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department.