SUFFOLK — Walter Harrell Johnson, 89, passed away on Jan. 15, 2018.

He was born in Suffolk, formerly Nansemond County, on Aug. 21, 1928, and was a 1947 graduate of Carrsville High School.

After school he and his brother, Elliott, formed a partnership (Johnson and Johnson) and farmed together for 35 years. During their farming years they were awarded trophies seven different years for growing the most peanuts per acre. When Walter and Elliott’s sons completed their education and returned home, they decided to end their partnership. Walter then formed a corporation known as Johnson Farms, Inc., with his son Edward. They farmed together for 20 years.

Walter was a lifelong member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and a trustee. He was the last surviving member of the Men’s Bible Class and he served as co-chairman of the Building Committee.

He was a member of the Virginia National Guard for seven years, and a member of the Carrsville Ruritan Club for over 55 years serving a term as president. Walter served as chairman of the Public Service Committee of the Ruritan Club during the organization of the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department. A charter member of the CVFD since 1957 he served in various capacities. After 50 years of service, he was voted a life member. Walter was the last surviving charter member of the CVFD.

He also served on the FSA Committee and the Virginia Peanut Growers Association.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Rachel Daughtrey Johnson. He was the son of the late Jessie F. and Bertie Mae Johnson, and was preceded in death by three brothers: Roy Lee, Jessie Edward and Elliott.

He leaves three sons to cherish his memory: Raymond Harrell Johnson (Nancy) of Richmond, Thomas Wayne Johnson (Rae) of Stafford and Edward Allen Johnson (Carol) of Suffolk; six grandchildren, Melanie, Mary Frances, Rebecca Mundy (Joe,) Catherine, Adam and Chelsea Johnson; and three great-grandchildren, Adam Jr., Lily and Lennon.

The funeral will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, in Beaver Dam Baptist Church with the Rev. Warren L. Johnson and Pastor Matthew J. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday in Wright Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and at Walter’s request, memorials may be made to the Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3593 Carrsville Hwy., Franklin, VA 23851, or to the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 27, Carrsville, VA 23315.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.