Oren "Pat" Patterson Johnson

Born on August 24, 1951, in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of Vernette Threatt Johnson and Irvin Malloy Johnson Sr. Pat attended local schools and graduated from Garinger High School.

He began his career at The Charlotte Observer in May 1968 working and then managing the engraving department until 1992 which later became camera platemaking as printing technology evolved. Pat earned the prestigious Al Resch Award from the North Carolina Press Association in 1987 for distinguished service. He was also a proud member of the Hickory Grove Volunteer Fire Department (now Robinson Fire Department) until his move to Cabarrus County in 1990.

Following his career at The Charlotte Observer, Pat worked with Freeman Car Stereo, 600 Racing, and Blue Max Trucking before retiring in 2015.

Pat’s passions were many—fishing for tarpon in the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico, cheering on NASCAR, and drag racing at Shuffletown and Shadyside. He also enjoyed restoring classic cars, including a ’55 Chevy and a Dodge Challenger.

He is survived by Susan Yergeau Johnson, whom he met in 1980 while both worked at The Charlotte Observer. Their three children: Joseph Johnson (his wife Melanie), Patrick Johnson, and Stephanie Johnson. Pat is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Edwards; four grandchildren, Holden, Hazel, and Hayden Johnson (children of Joseph and Melanie) and Luke Powers (Patrick); family pets: Bentley and George; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Johnson Lawrence (September 2, 2025); his brother, Irvin Johnson Jr.; his parents, Vernette Threatt Johnson and Irvin Malloy Johnson Sr.; and his beloved pets, Sophie, Mop, and Bear.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care–Cabarrus and his care team—Sharon, Candice, Sandy, and Sonya—for their compassionate support during Pat’s final year with vascular dementia.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.