David "Wally" Wallace Johnson

David "Wally" Wallace Johnson, passed away on Saturday, January 13 at age 95. He is survived by his extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty Hazelwood Johnson, to whom he had been married for 64 years, and his Father and Mother, Christopher and Dorothy Johnson.

Wally was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1945, he went on to study chemistry at the University of Richmond. Following graduation from University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science, Wally spent two years serving his country in the US Army during the Korean war, including a year in Germany with the 43rd Infantry Division 102nd Infantry Regiment. He then began his career as a chemist and laboratory supervisor for the Commonwealth of Virginia division of chemistry and laboratory services.

In 1956, Wally met the love of his life, Kitty. Wally and Kitty loved traveling and attending as many University of Richmond football and basketball games as their schedules would allow. Wally retired in 1992, after 40+ years working for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his career he held the role of the Atlantic Region Chairman of the American Society for Testing and Materials, Secretary of the University of Richmond Spider Club, as well as President of The Old Dominion Chapter of The National Railway Historical Society. Only outmatched by his love of Kitty, Wally had a deep passion for all things related to locomotives. Wally used his skill as a photographer to seek out and photograph well known steam engines and became a certified expert in the space, building quite a collection of photos and memorabilia.

Wally’s family would like to express their thanks to his neighbors and caretakers, Jean Godfrey, Stephanie Calcagni, Melissa Dowdy, Cheri Borkey, and the nursing staff at Lakewood Manor who showed such grace to him and Kitty in their final years.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. in Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Ave., Henrico, VA 23238. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to honor David Wallace Johnson to the University of Spiders Athletic Fund, 804-289-8092.