John Francis Johnson

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John Francis Johnson was born September 24, 1943, in Windsor, N.C. His parents were John Cabot and Annie Minton Johnson; uncle, Woodrow Wilson Johnson; sister was Barbara Jean Jernigan; and nephew, Bimbo Jernigan (deceased).

Surviving is his wife of 41 years, Patricia Jones Johnson, (no children together); John’s daughter, Teresa Johnson Griffith; granddaughter, Katherine Joyce Griffith and grandson, Robert Cooper Griffith; two first cousins, Libby Johnson Schoeb and George Butler Rhodes.

In his youth John raised, showed, and judged show pigs with his uncle. Money for selling the animals was saved into a fund for college. He went to N.C. State College studying Animal Husbandry. He later decided he wanted a better life, so he moved from the small town and went through a five-year apprenticeship program with National Automatic Sprinkler Company who provided good benefits. In 1978, John installed a fire protection sprinkler system in “Resorts International Casino Hotel.” This was the first Gaming Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. John moved to Siler City, N.C., in 1980. He later started a company called Johnson’s Automatic Sprinkler. With John showing dogs and his wife knowing how to groom them, another business was started, Pat’s Grooming & Boarding Kennel. John understood the dedication it took to make dogs happy. (Business will continue).

In 1984 he was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.” John was a member of Masonic Lodge in Siler City and a Shriner. His favorite hobby was showing Boston Terriers all over the USA and enjoying friends.

Memorials can be made to the Shriners or any Boston Terrier Rescue. If you choose to send flowers, the family requests no cut flowers that will die.

Friends may come by and sign the register book and view a memorial video of his life from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 26th and 27th, 2021, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Ave., Siler City.

Online condolences may be made and enjoy memorial video memories of Johnny’s life at www.pughfuneralhome.com.