Claxton Leonard Johnson

Mr. Claxton Leonard Johnson, 82, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. 

Claxton was born in Chatham County, March 12^th 1941, and remained a citizen of Siler City, NC and member of Loves Creek Baptist Church through his lifetime. Claxton was known by people nationwide as the owner of Johnson’s Restaurant and its famous cheeseburgers.  Started in 1946 by his parents, from the age of 5 until his retirement he could be found behind the grill cooking and chatting with his many friends and patrons.  Claxton was an expert marksman, and served our nation in the Army National Guard with an honorable discharge on March 31, 1967. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Leonard Johnson and Evelyn Christine Johnson.  He is survived by his wife, Frances Johnson; daughter Carolyn Johnson Routh and son in law Daniel Routh; grandsons Tristan Stuart and Caemon Stuart.  

A visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Monday, March 11, 2024 at Smith and Buckner Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Loves Creek Baptist Church in Siler City, NC on March 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Lee Callicutt officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Barry Johnson, Lynn Scarlett, Brad Long, Dave Craven, Lane Martindale, and Austin Hefflefinger.