David Lewis Johnson

He was born October 28, 1935, in Fluvanna County and was the son of Ruth Richardson Johnson and Lewis W. Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janis C. Johnson; his son, Ryne Johnson (Melissa); daughter, Slade Johnson Gormus (Mark); grandchildren, Dalton G. Lynn (Baker), SGT. Reid Gormus (Ashley), Luke Johnson, McKenna Johnson; and great-grandchild, Ellie Gormus; his sister, Helen J. Haislip of Palmyra, VA; and his nephews and niece, David E. Haislip, Jeffrey W. Haislip, and Deborah H. Steele.

He graduated from Fluvanna County High School where he was President of the Student Body, a member of National Honor Society and a member of the basketball and baseball team. He went on to Lynchburg College (University of Lynchburg) and graduated in 1958 where he was elected President of the Honor Council, a member of Kappa Delta Pi & Omicron, and members of the tennis and golf teams. He later received a Master’s in Education from University of Virginia in 1962.

Mr. Johnson accomplished many things during his life, he was a member of the faculty at Fluvanna High School where he taught history and was coach of the boys’ basketball team and was a guidance counselor, from 1961-1965 he was Principal of Goochland High School, he was Assistant Supervisor of Secondary Education at the State Department of Education from 1965-1966. Mr. Johnson joined the Virginia Education Association in 1966 as Director of Field Services and then became Assistant Executive Director followed by Executive Director from 1973 to 2000. In 2001, he was appointed by Governor Warner and reappointed by Governor Kaine to the Standards of Learning Academic Review Team. He received the friend of Education Award by the VEA, selected as Executive of the Year and received the Distinguished Alumni award from Lynchburg College. He was a member of Willow Oaks Country Club for 56 years where he played tennis and golf. He was elected to the Board of Directors and served as Vice President.

The family would like to thank Jennifer Ball Gowen for the care she provided over the last 7 years.

It would be difficult to overstate the degree of respect and love Dave engendered in all who knew him. He was a kind, humble and generous soul, and a true gentleman in all areas of his life. His children and grandchildren remember him as the first person to call in difficult times. He could always be counted on to calmly solve any problem before them.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Lynchburg at www.lynchburg.edu/give or 434-544-8665. Gifts will be placed in the D.L. “Pete” Warren Scholarship Fund supporting students who plan a career in teaching.