John C Johnson

John C. Johnson, 81, of Fayetteville passed away on September 30, 2021.

John grew up in Pottstown, and upon graduating from high school attended Pennsylvania State University, where he was in their Naval ROTC program. He earned a BS in Education in 1961. John enlisted with the Marines as a second lieutenant, serving one tour of duty, before enlisting in the US Army. As a career Army officer, he was a Ranger, served with the 82nd Airborne Division, and was a Green Beret with 5th and 7th Special Forces Group, serving three combat tours in Vietnam. Because of his service, he received many citations and commendations, including the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf clusters (one with Valor), and six Air Medals (one with Valor).  Upon his retirement in 1984 at the rank of Major, he continued to work at Ft. Bragg as a civil servant for over 35 years in many capacities, ranging from systems analyst to parachute testing and design, ending his prestigious civilian career in January 2012 working in the Joint Special Operations Command.

John was a devoted husband to his wife Nancy of sixty years. He loved and was incredibly proud of his seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.  He referred to them as “his legacy”. He was an avid Carolina Panthers fan and enjoyed sharing his season tickets with his family and friends. He enjoyed many years spent with Nancy at their Carolina Beach condo. John was sincerely devoted to his home church, The Church of the Open Door, and the ministries in which he served. He loved his dog Ginger and their daily walks around the neighborhood that provided the opportunity to maintain relationships with his neighbors.  

John is preceded by his parents, James and Stella Johnson of Pottstown, Pa. He is survived by his wife Nancy Navikas Johnson of Fayetteville, NC; son Dr Jeffrey Johnson and wife Joan of Raleigh, NC; daughter Cynthia Brock and husband Lonnie S III of Tampa, FL; daughter Kimberly Founds of High Point, NC; grandchildren Dr. Stephen Brock and wife Brittany of Tampa, FL; David Brock and wife Elizabeth of Winter Springs, FL; Christopher Johnson and wife Kaitlin O’Connor of Durham, NC; Michael Founds and wife Victoria MacPhee of Charlottesville, VA; James Brock of Tampa, FL; Meghan Johnson of Durham, NC; Emma Founds of Asheville, NC; great-grandchildren Cameron Brock of Tampa, FL.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 6pm to 8pm at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to:

The Church of the Open Door

4445 Cliffdale Rd

Fayetteville, NC 28314

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