Max James Johnson, 87, of Hickory, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Carolina Caring of Catawba County. Born March 24, 1933 in Burke County, NC, he grew up in Henry River and was the son of the late Dorse James Johnson and the late Jewell Hallman Johnson.
Max graduated from Hildebran High School in 1951 and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.
In 1956, he went to work for General Electric Company as an Advanced Systems Analyst in Computer Operations. In 1969, he relocated to Oakland, CA and was promoted to Manager of Business Information Systems, Materials Control, Purchasing and Shop Operations. Max retired from GE in 1989 after 34 years of service. He owned and operated Collector’s Cottage Antiques in Hildebran for 35 years. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of antiques and enjoyed sharing that with his customers. He was proud to count many of his regular customers as friends. His second retirement was in 2008.
Max enjoyed traveling, automobile racing, sports and attending his church, Bethany Lutheran. He served on various church councils for 30 years and as President many of those terms. He was a charter member of East Burke Kiwanis Club for many years, serving as President and in other positions. He read 2 newspapers every morning and kept current on all news. He lived his Christian faith daily and was a true gentleman and a man of his word.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ira Mae Johnson and a nephew, Mike Johnson.
Max is survived by his wife of 23 years, Cindy Seagle Johnson of the home; daughter, Denise Moseley and husband, Alan of Indian Trail; step-daughter, Sonya Houser and husband Kurt of Denver, NC; step-son, Aaron Cantrell and wife Sandy of Sherrills Ford, NC; brother, Marcus Johnson and wife Tommie of Hildebran; and grandchildren, Hayley Smith and husband Wilson Garrett of Lone Tree, Colorado, Devin Houser, Gavin Houser and Sophie Houser of Denver, NC; nephew, Daren Johnson and wife Galina of Huntersville; great-nephew, Travis Johnson of Hildebran; great-niece, Daniella Johnson of Huntersville; Godchildren, Isaac Reid Harrow and Kelly Harrow Tramble; a granddaughter in love and grataitude, Kristen Blair; numerous cousins and many friends.
A covered outdoor Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory with the Rev. Dr. Pierson Shaw officiating.
The service will follow social distancing guidelines. Masks are required. Attendees may remain in their vehicles if preferred.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or Carolina Caring of Catawba County.
Condolences may be sent to the Johnson family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.
Drum Funeral Home of Hickory is honored to be assisting the Johnson family.
