Ralph Legray Johnson
Ralph Legray Johnson, 89, of Roanoke, VA, went to be with his Lord on the 24th of June
2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy Hartford Johnson, I and Juanita
Johnson, his brother Boyce Ray Johnson, and his loving wife of 57 years, Myra Ann
(Shifflett) Johnson. Ralph passed away on what would have been he and his wife’s 63rd
wedding anniversary.
Ralph served proudly in the United States Navy as a machinist from 1951-1965. He served on destroyers, USS Newman K. Perry (DDR-883) and USS Moale (DD693). He served on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa (CVA-40) during the Korean War. He completed his military career as a Company Commander and a Firefighting Instructor atNaval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. He was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, and the Good
Conduct Medal.
After the Navy, he joined Roanoke Community Hospital’s Maintenance Department and retired
after 34 years as Maintenance Supervisor in 1999.
Ralph enjoyed being outside. He loved hunting with his two sons and late brother, Ray, as well
as fishing with his buddy Earl Cambell. Salt water was truly in his veins, as he loved annual
trips to the beach. Ralph had so many hobbies. You could generally find him modifying and
repairing motorcycles, trucks or other engines to bring them back to life. In addition to working
on vehicles of all types, he enjoyed chopping wood, listening to gospel and country music,
creating unique recipes in the kitchen, playing his harmonica, and sneaking treats to his dog.
Ralph had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller. He was an avid collector of
coins, watches, pocket knives, clocks, etc. and was constantly trading and bargaining with his
friends.
Ralph loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served as a Deacon at Clearbrook Baptist
Church where he was a very active member. He and his wife contributed to the church’s
community outreach by managing the church’s Food Pantry for several years.
Ralph loved his family and is survived by his four children and their families, Deborah Lynn
(Johnson) Weeter and her husband Robin Weeter and their daughter Grace Weeter, Stacy
Legray Johnson, Roy Hartford Johnson, II and his wife Diane Johnson, and Myra Angela
(Johnson) Dennis and her husband Matthew Dennis and their children Hannah Dennis
and Ian Dennis. Ralph is also survived by his sisters Emily Evelene Arrington and Twila
Bowen, nephew David Johnson, and niece Leslie Arrington.
In lieu of flowers, the family offers that a donation can be made to the Clearbrook Baptist
Church Mission Fund in Ralph’s honor. Please mail donations to:
Clearbrook Baptist Church
5219 Singing Hills Road
Roanoke, VA24014
