Edwin Rudolph Johnson

Ed was born in Rich Square, North Carolina on the 27th of September 1937 to W. Wallace Johnson and Ethel Blanchelane Johnson. Ed was one of four children, Given, June and Linda. At the age of 19, Ed joined the Army Air Corps and proudly served for four years.

Ed married Mary Louise Raymond on September 21, 1977. They spent 35 years together. They loved each other very much. They were a partnership and each other’s support system. Ed embraced Mary’s family of six children and all that came with it. He was supportive and always there for the good, the bad and the challenging. He never turned his back on anyone who needed help. He was not a man of hand-outs, but a man who offered help, advice and support.

Ed was the family’s Renaissance man. He was innovative, an artist, a dreamer, a free-thinker, passionate and difficult at times, always generous and always striving for knowledge. He was a business owner and a self-taught financial guru.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Mary; his son, Michael Johnson; five step-children, Donna Goddard, Doug and Karen Raymond, Glenn Raymond, Quintin and Jennifer Raymond and Gary and Sandi Raymond; four Grandchildren, Darby Bagdonas, Christopher Raymond, Brandi Gibson and Jerrod Raymond; four Great-grandchildren, Abigail Raymond, Haley Bagdonas, Emma and Kinley Gibson; his sister Linda Gloyd, several nephews and his beloved cat, Scooter.

Ed’s life will be celebrated Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:00p at Hardage Giddens, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL. (904-288-0025)