Billy Gene Johnson

Mr. Billy Gene "Bill" Johnson, 79, of Sophia, NC, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Randolph Hospice House. A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held at Sophia Baptist Church on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 4:00 pm, with Rev. Bill Barnes officiating. Burial, with Masonic Rites, will be held at Randolph Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service. After the graveside services, the family will greet friends at Snyder's Farm Restaurant on Beckerdite Rd. Bill was born Feb. 17, 1933, in Randleman, NC. He was the son of Kathleen and Robert Johnson and attended Randleman High School, where he would meet life-long friends. Bill retired from both Burlington Mills and Cone Mills. He was a long time member of Sophia Baptist Church. Bill was a Mason and member of the Asheboro Masonic Lodge 699. He was an avid horseman and spent nearly 70 years showing, training and raising champion horses of all kinds. This love of horses became a "family" business with both his sons and grandchildren taking over with their own horse ranches and training facilities. Bill married the love of his life, Marylene Frank Johnson, on May 24, 1952. They had 2 sons, Ricky born in 1953, and David born in 1958. Mr. Johnson is preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen and Robert Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marylene Frank Johnson of the home; His sons, Ricky Johnson and wife Nancy of Denton, NC; David Johnson of Sophia, NC; granddaughters, Mrs. Brooke Maiello and her husband PJ of Cameron, NC and Ms. Shannon Johnson of Lexington, NC; grandson, Justin Johnson of Sophia, NC; Step-grandson, Thomas Martin of Advance, NC. Two great-granddaughters, Alexandra Gray and Montgomery Maiello; step-great-granddaughter, Payton Martin. He is also survived by his brother, James Robert "Jimmy" Johnson of Bennett, NC The family will greet friends on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Randolph Hospice House for the love and care given to Bill and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bill's favorite charities Randolph Hospice House, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC, 27203 and Boys & Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw, 400 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC, 28450. (910)646-3083. Pugh Funeral Home (Randleman) is assisting the family and in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.pughfuneralhome.com