Polk Hoover Johnson

Polk Hoover Johnson, 96, of Troutville, went to be with the Lord on May 30, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Louise Johnson; three sisters; three brothers; and one grandson, Marty Hilderbrand.

Polk is survived by his three daughters, Linda Poyner (Thomas), Cheryl Hilderbrand (Tony, deceased), and Kay Wright (Jim); and his son, Johnny Johnson (Sandy). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Chad Jarvis, Nicki Hilderbrand, Kendra Leatherland, Stephen Kopalchick, Dustin Holt, Meredith Underwood, Caleb Johnson, and Ben Wright; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Born in Lee County, Virginia, Polk served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 as an auto mechanic in the 3055th Ordnance Service Company, during which time he was stationed in Japan. After his discharge from active duty, he married his sweetheart, Lois Louise Napier, on July 9, 1947.

Polk also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1958 to 1962 and worked as a federal civil servant until his retirement in 1964. Upon retiring, he entered full-time Christian ministry as an evangelist, preaching for 46 years.

He attended Valley Church in Roanoke.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Valley Church, 8100 Angel Lane, Roanoke, Virginia 24019. The memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to Global Partners in Peace and Development (gpartners.org), or by check made out to GPPD and sent to P.O. Box 117, Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064. Condolences may be registered at Rader Funeral Home (www.rader-funeralhome.com).