On Sunday, December 27, 2015, God called Paul Ray Johnson, 78, of Willow Spring, to his heavenly home. Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. He died surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Paul was born in Johnston County to the late Casey and Bessie Johnson. He grew up and lived on the family farm for his entire life. He was a modest man with a strong work ethic and loved the outdoors. Paul retired after serving as warehouse manager for Nordic Cold Storage for many years.

Paul adored his wife, Jane Sanders Johnson, who was not only his best friend but his work partner and soul mate for more than 60 years. You rarely saw one without the other. He also loved his children and grandchildren more than words can express. Paul has left his mark on each of us and all who knew him. He will be dearly missed but we will remember his love and kindness forever. Paul was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church for many years where he had served as a deacon and a member of the church choir.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Jane; children Tim Johnson and wife Teresa of Apex; and Teri Henderson and husband Dan of Fayetteville and grandchildren John Henderson and Lauren Henderson. Two of Paul's siblings predeceased him: Dorothy Young and Jerry Johnson. He is survived by his two sisters: Rachel Godwin and Betty Thigpen.

A service honoring the life of Paul Ray Johnson will be held at 2:00 PM on December 30, 2015 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC. Condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to either the American Cancer Society or Caring Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1364, Cary, NC 27512 www.caringcommunityfoundation.org.