George Nathan Johnson

George Nathan Johnson of Wake Forest NC, formerly of Poughkeepsie NY, departed this life on March 31, 2025. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Betty Mitchell Johnson. Born on April 9, 1933, he was the son of the late LTC Hannah Marie Johnson and Nathan Green.

As a child, George lived as a foster son with the Late Orville and Effie Anthony family in Poughkeepsie. He was graduated in 1951 from Lincoln Academy Boarding School in Kings Mountain, NC. A highlight of George’s curriculum was being a member of the school choir, the boy’s quartet and the “Mighty Monarchs” club. He had a melodic singing voice that would parallel Billy Eckstine. He often told stories of singing on the radio and traveling different places to sing while in school.

Following graduation, George returned to Poughkeepsie where he was employed by New York State as a Therapy Assistant at Hudson River Psychiatric Center (HRPC). He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and received an honorable discharge in 1958. He returned to his position at the Psychiatric Center, retiring in 1988 after 38 years of employment. In the early 70s, in addition to his position at HRPC, George served as an Emergency Medical Technician for Sloper Willen Ambulance Service in Wappingers Falls, NY. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a Vehicle Transporter for Hertz Rental Car in Poughkeepsie for almost a decade.

George enjoyed trips with the family in his camper, trips to pre-season football games in Connecticut, music festivals in Newport RI, Saratoga NY and various places in NC, as well as Broadway plays in NYC and local theatre in NC. He was always ready for deep sea, local lake or stream fishing adventures with his buddies - Bucky, Ronnie, Ted, Unk (Dave Jackson), Joe, and William. On several expeditions, he fell overboard! Time and again, proving his forever claim he could swim like a fish! He and the fish would be in the same place—in the water! Ultimately, they both ended in the boat!

George and Betty relocated to Raleigh, NC in June 1999 and settled into their home in Wake Forest the following year. There he served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 14 years.

In addition to his wife, George leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Karen Johnson of Metuchen, NJ; a son, Kevin Johnson (Candee) of Raleigh, NC; three grandsons, Collin Wilson (Brooke) of Jacksonville, FL; Brandon Carrasco of Burbank, CA; Michael Johnson of Raleigh, NC; two great-grandchildren; in-laws Walter Mitchell (Gwen), Charles Mitchell (Melva), and Brenda Moody (Anthony), goddaughter Stephanie Miller, nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends. George was preceded in death by a son, George David Johnson, from a previous marriage.

A Memorial Service will be held 12:00 pm Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Wake Forest Community House,133 W. Owen Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Alzheimer's Disease Research or a charity of your choice.