SFC WALTER H JOHNSON

Walter Hamilton Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, September 30, 2022. Walt was born in Baileysville, WV on September 11, 1933 to John Daniel Johnson and Dorcas Naomi Lester.

He started his work life very young working with his stepfather, Goff Smeltzer, cutting and hauling mining timbers. He later worked for a short period in the mines but decided that was not the job for him. So at age 18 he enlisted in the US Air Force where he served for 12 years then remained in California.  After a break in service, he joined the US Army Reserves where he served an additional 10 years, retiring March 1990.  During his break in service and during his reserve time, Walt worked as an electrician and worked for and retired from AT&T and even worked alongside his wife, Bobbie teaching adult education classes in computer technology and basic skills. In 2000 Walt returned to southwest Virginia to help care for family members and he and Bobbie made Bluefield, VA their new home.  He continued working as a contract worker for AT&T for a brief period then worked with Pyott Boone in N. Tazewell and as his church secretary when they needed one.  Walt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bobbie Eileen Johnson, one grandchild, Dorothy and a great grandchild, Patricia; by his brothers, Robert, Carmel and John Smeltzer; three sisters, Louise Tolliver, Judy Riley and Sarah Jane Gillette.

He is survived by three children, Marilyn Rogers and husband, Mike of Beech Grove, AR, Gwen Miller and husband, Carl of Wilcox, AZ and Walter H. Johnson, Jr and wife, Patricia of Martinez, CA, 4 grandchildren, Garth, Ethan, Katy and Rebecca and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph Smeltzer and wife, Barbara and two sisters, Geraldine Johnson and Naomi Jenkins and husband, Louis of Tazewell, VA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and 3 very special grand nephews, Jonathon, Jacob and Jaxton who were regular visitors during his illness.  His canine companion, Doodles was by his side constantly throughout his illness. He is also survived by a host of church family and friends who were very faithful in their visits and calls during his illness even coming to his home for weekly Bible study and daily phone calls for Bible reading and prayers.  He was a true man of God and exemplified his faith and trust daily.  He was a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Tazewell and attended when his health permitted.

In honoring Walt's wishes, a grave side service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, October 08, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. at Grandview Memory Mausoleum Chapel with Pastor Don Elswick and Rev. Ron Young officiating. Mercer County Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to be at Grandview Mausoleum Chapel by 10:20 A.M.

The family would like to thank the staff of MSA Home Health and Hospice for the loving care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, Grace Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 1359, North Tazewell, VA 24630.