FRANKLIN — Henry Merrill “Mickey” Johnson Jr., 70, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Dec. 6, 2017, peacefully in his home with his wife and two daughters by his side. Mickey fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for several years.

Mickey was born in Franklin, Virginia, on Aug. 17, 1947, to Henry Merrill Johnson Sr. and Doris Duke Johnson.
He is a graduate of Pompano Beach High School. Upon moving back to Franklin, at the age of 18, he began his 43-year career at Union Camp/International Paper, where he swept floors before climbing the ladder, eventually becoming superintendent of No. 4 paper machine. A total rebuild of that machine afforded him opportunities to travel internationally. Mickey was passionate about making paper, and was a dedicated and well-respected leader in the I.P community.
Mickey was a devoted husband and father who took pride in celebrating his families’ successes, supported each of their endeavors and loved sharing precious moments and making memories with each of his girls. Fall was Mickey’s favorite time of year where he could follow his Virginia Tech Hokies.
He also loved serving Emmanuel Episcopal, where he was junior and senior warden on the vestry.
Mickey proudly won several United States arm wrestling championships in the late ’70s and early ’80s. In his down time he enjoyed traveling, going to the gun range, fishing, riding motorcycles and playing with his dogs.
Mickey is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 35 years, Jewel. His children are Ronald Johnson, Amy and her husband, Zack Taylor, of Richmond, Virginia; and Katie and her significant other, Jason Weaver, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
Mickey and Jewel were gifted their first grandchild, Myles Z. Taylor, who quickly became the light of his life. Other little people who shared in his journey include Jazmyne and Tyson Taylor along with Teagan Weaver.
Also left to cherish his memory are his only brother, Joseph Michael “Mike” and his wife Janet Johnson, their two sons and their wives Josh and Julie Johnson, Zach and Brittany Johnson all of Virginia Beach. Other loved ones include his mother-in-law Hannah Lupton; his brother-in-law Calvin Toler and his wife, Paula; and many loving cousins.
Mickey was pre-predeceased by his father-in-law and friend, George B. Lupton, as well as his brother-in-law and friend, Steven S. Toler.
The memorial service will be at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Franklin on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. It will be officiated by dear friends, the Rev. Margie Holm and retired Rev. Ed Pickup.
Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Roc Solid Foundation in Mickey’s memory – 3333 Station House Road, Suite B, Chesapeake VA, 23321. www.rocsolidfoundation.org.
Mickey’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Virginia Oncology Association and Radiation Department of Obici Hospital for the outstanding care and compassion they all provided over the last four years.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.