Obituary of Raymond Archer Johnson, I

Raymond Archer Johnson I, (a.k.a Dad, Ray, Poindexter and Papa was born on October 30, 1955 in Paterson, New Jersey, the only son of the late Archer Roosevelt Johnson and Mary Hazel Johnson. At an early age, Raymond accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and became a member of Canaan Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham. Raymond was educated in the Paterson Public School System. After graduating from Eastside High School in 1973, he landed his first fulltime job and was employed by Xerox Incorporated for over 12 years. In 1986, he met and married Evelyn and daughter Tamesha Harris and of that union, a son was born, Raymond A. Johnson, II. Eventually, the couple moved to Virginia. Raymond was employed by Walmart (Virginia) as a Supervisor and later transferred and relocated to the Walmart Super Store in Thomasville, North Carolina until his retirement in 2016. He enjoyed collecting antique model cars, antique coins and bills, watching television and listening to music. He especially took pride in shining his multiple automobiles - cars and trucks. Raymond was always a kind and soft-spoken person having a "heart of gold". He enjoyed reminiscing of his childhood days while growing up, while getting excited while telling his story. He was loved by so many and often called the favorite nephew. After battling with a hereditary heart disease for several years, Raymond finished his race in the early morning hours on Friday, October 26, 2018 and was called home to glory. He leaves to cherish precious memories: a son, Raymond Johnson II., daughter-in-law Janelle Johnson; (Virginia); a daughter Tamesha Carter and son-in-law Ernest Carter, three grandchildren Tanai, Mario and DeVon Carter (Virginia); a devoted sister and brother-in-law, Diane Johnson- Alexander and James Alexander (Georgia). A sister and brother-in-law, Doris A. Burrell and Louis Burrell preceded in death in April 2016 (New Jersey). A devoted niece, Danielle Nicole Moore (New Jersey) and one great-niece Sirai Adriana Burrell. Three nephews Denzel and Sophia Burrell (Arizona); Reuel Alexander Moore (New Jersey), Eric and Aniya Rodriquez-Burrell (New Jersey) and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. The family will surely miss their beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle.