Robert Ray Johnson, 93, of Titusville, Florida and formerly of Broadway, VA died September 24, 2024 at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, WV.

He was born March 4, 1931at home in Clifton (Mason County), WV, and was a son to the late Fred and Lucy VanMeter Johnson.

Robert started his career with WV State parks & recreation in 1965 as an assistant superintendent at Tygart Lake State Park in Grafton.  He then served as superintendent of Lost River State Park in Mathias, where he created a nature trail for the blind.  He served as a superintendent at Watoga State Park in Marlinton, assistant chief of parks in Charleston, and retired as superintendent from Black Water Falls State Park in 1989 after creating the handicap accessible overlook.

Robert graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1949, where he was the first state wrestling champion for P.H.S.  He graduated with a BS from Marietta College in 1963.  After graduating from Marietta, he taught Biology for a year at P.H.S.  He served in the U.S. Air Force, participating in the Korean War and Operation Just Cause, and retired as MSGT after 22 years of service.  During his military career, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, WV Meritorious Service Medal, WV Commendation Medal and WV Achievement Medal.  He was a member of American Legion Post #359 in Port St. John, FL, and a past member/president of Mathias Ruritan Club.

On December 14, 1975 he married the former Mamie Sager, who preceded him in death on January 25, 2007.

Surviving him are two sons, Dr. Robert R. Johnson, II and wife Sandy, of MI,  Timothy Lee Johnson and wife Carlotta, of MO; two daughters, Adrianne “Addie” Celeste Henderson and husband Bob, of Parkersburg, WV, Sylvia Lynn Meadows and husband Bob, of Parkersburg, WV; two step-daughters; Carolyn S. Burrough, of Broadway, VA, Sandra S. Stewart, of Mathias, WV; two nieces, Joyce Johnson Cline of FL, Sue Johnson Hilliard of WV; two nephews, Larry Johnson of WV, David Johnson of VA; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Martin Johnson; a stepdaughter; Sharon S. “Beeb” Shumate; two stepsons, Douglas Sager and Arlen “Stooge” Sager; one nephew, Speedy Johnson; sons-in-law, Les Stewart, David Burrough, and Ralph Mathias.

Rev. Ed Pruitt will conduct a funeral service Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Grandle Funeral Home Chapel in Broadway, VA.  Burial with military honors will follow at Zion Mennonite Cemetery near Broadway.

A viewing will be held at the funeral home from10 AM – 1 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amedysis Hospice, 17 Grand Park Dr Ste 206, Parkersburg, WV 26105.

Thank you to WVU Camden Clark 1st West staff and Amedysis Hospice for their excellent, compassionate care.