Lester Eugene "Gene" Johnson

Lester Eugene "Gene" Johnson, 82, of Siler City died Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Mr. Johnson was born in Chatham County on November 1, 1934 the son of Edward Lester and Berta (Fox) Johnson. Gene was a member of Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church and a farmer, a "Steward of the Land". He and his brother, Russell farmed together from 1960- 1998. He was an Army Veteran, and one of the original organizers of the Silk Hope Fire Department. Gene served for over 25 years including six years as a Captain and four years as a Chief. He also served as Cubmaster with the local Scouts.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Palmer Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of six years: Virginia (Hall) Johnson; two sons: Neal Johnson of Siler City and special friend, Kimberly Ford of Danville, VA, Bryan Johnson of Bennett; step-children, Keith Morris (Debbie), Sandra Morris Sessoms (Robert), Terry Morris, Laurie Morris Nance (David), Cathy Morris Parker (Jeff), Allison Long Morris (Jerry Morris, deceased); three sisters: Judy Johnson of Siler City, Berta Faye King (Rayvon) of Gulf and Rachel Cox (Clinton) of Siler City; one brother, Russell Johnson (Hannah) of Siler City; grandchildren, Clay and Hunter Johnson, Blake Parker (Lyndsay), Crystal Morris Williams (Blake), Jordan Nance, Chandler Nance, Taylor Morris, Corey Sessoms, Allie Morris, Greyson Morris, Savannah Parker, Jarrett Morris, Jeffrey Parker, Jr., Denver Sessoms, Nathan Morris; great-grandchildren, Damen Parker and Reese Parker and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 5, 2017 from 6:00-9:00 Pm at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC and at other times at the family home. The funeral will be Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church, 5016 Silk Hope-Gum Spring Road, Pittsboro with Rev. Jason Dickerson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Flowers are acceptable or memorials may be made to Sapling Ridge United Methodist Church, 5016 Silk Hope-Gum Spring Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.