Thomas Paxton Johnson, age 67

Thomas Paxton Johnson, age 67, of Rutherfordton, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Born March 4, 1947 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Robert Kelly Johnson and Gennie V. Earwood Johnson. He was a graduate of East High School, class of 1965 and a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the United States Marine Corps. Thomas worked as a custodian for Rutherford County Public Schools for sixteen years, as a part-time security guard and in textiles for several years.  He attended Oak Ridge Baptist Church.  Thomas enjoyed fishing, going to dirt track races and pitching horseshoes. He also served as a member of the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by ten brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Geaneice Johnson; son, Eric Dale Johnson of Ellenboro; daughter, Angela Gayle Friddle of Ellenboro; two step-daughters, Bonnie Smith and Brittany Cox; four step-sons, Aaron Cox, Adam Cox, Kyle Cox and Caleb Cox; two sisters, Nancy Baynard and husband, Jimmy of Rutherfordton and Marie King and husband, Vinson of Harris. He is also survived by two grandchildren and six step-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Vinson King officiating and military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  Interment followed in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Casar, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Rutherford County Honor Guard, 564 Terry Road, Ellenboro, NC  28040 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.