Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Rodney Johnson, beloved husband of Mae W. Nowlin Johnson and loving father of Kimberly W. Johnson, passed Saturday, May 27, 2023 at CAMC, Charleston, WV.

Rodney was born on November 1, 1950, in Glen Rogers, WV to the late Johnnie and Virginia E. (Betty) Johnson. He was a devoted sibling to Rev. Garland Johnson (Brenda) of Charleston, WV, Dr. Johnny Johnson (June) of Denver, CO, Mr. Darrell Johnson (Mary) of Richmond, VA, and Mrs. Priscilla Bass (William) of St. Albans, WV; devoted brother-in-law to Elizabeth Nowlin Moore, Barbara Nowlin, Garnette Nowlin Alexander, all of Beckley, WV, Elaine Nowlin of Decatur, GA and Andi Johnson of Culpepper, VA; also surviving are a host of nieces; nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rodney, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by two siblings, Bruce A. Johnson and Brenda J. Johnson.

Rodney was a 1968 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Beckley and Concord College with degrees in Business Administration. He was employed by Verizon Telephone Company for 35 years, becoming the first African American Supervisor in the state of WV. He was fondly called “Hank” by his co-workers, Randall Woody, PJ Blankenship and Fred Washburn. They met faithfully once a month at Bob Evans after retirement.

Rodney was a member of St. Paul Baptist Temple, in Beckley WV for forty-three years, where he became a Deacon. While faithfully serving at St. Paul, he served as choir director, sang with the Men’s Choir and was President of the Deacon Board.

Rodney was a jokester and loved playing his guitar. Upon retirement, he loved watching the western “Gunsmoke” and the game show “Family Feud”. He never missed an episode of either.

Rodney and Kimberly shared a father/daughter bond that was one of a kind; he was extremely proud of her and her accomplishments. Rodney often contributed to the training presentations given by Kimberly and would ask how “their” presentation went that day.

Rodney was married to the “love of his life”, Mae, whom he followed around during high school saying, “I am going to marry you!”

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to C.A.R.E. P.O. Box 3011, East Beckley Station, Beckley, WV 25801.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.