Raymond T. Johnson, Jr.

June 2, 1931 – October 3, 2021

“Whatever rough edges I possess have been smoothed over by the people in my life, most of whom I’ve loved… My wish is that all of you be as lucky in life as I have been” – Raymond T. Johnson, Jr.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 3, 2021, Raymond Taylor Johnson, Jr. of Potomac, MD, loving husband and father of five, passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 90 years old.

Ray was born June 2, 1931 in Washington, D.C., the first of Raymond Taylor Johnson, Sr. and Mary Tardy Johnson’s five children. Ray and his beloved sister, Mary S. Thomas (Sue), and 3 brothers; Marshall H. Johnson, the late Michael T. Johnson, Sr., and James H. Johnson grew up on a small farm until they moved to their permanent home in Chevy Chase, MD. Raymond Sr. opened a grocery store in the early 1930’s, which evolved into a landmark Floral and Nursery chain in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and which Ray Jr. and two of his brothers ran for more than 50 years before passing it down to some of their own children. Johnson’s Flower and Garden Centers is still in business today.

After high school, Ray joined the Marine Corps and served his time in Korea, giving him his lifelong commitment to Semper Fi. Ray received his accounting degree from Ben Franklin University in Washington, DC, which he used passionately to grow the family business, along with his brothers. Throughout his life, Ray loved to try new hobbies, such as photography, woodworking, and Coca-Cola memorabilia collecting, but never ceased to enjoy his true ardor of vegetable gardening – especially tomatoes! If you knew him, you’ve had his tomatoes.

He had a passion for Christmas and his love for the giving spirit of the season embodied itself in his ever-growing, playful collection of Santas from near and far, to be displayed in all of their glory every year at his annual “Santa Party”. He was generous to a fault. He simply loved to give. Tough, but always fair, Ray was a diehard Washington Football Team fan (for better and for worse), a voracious reader – and author (who still refused to learn to spell correctly), and a self-proclaimed gambler (though only on things he truly thought would win, like everyone else).

Ray had a colorful and ever-changing personal life (if you know, you know) which ultimately granted him 5 children of his own; Catherine, Russell, Samantha, Shaun, and Benjamin, 3 Step-children; Michael, James, and Elizabeth, 11 grandchildren; Scott, Carter, Tommy, Taylor, Alexandra, Dylan, Maddie, Delaney, Elby, Oli, and Matty, one lovingly adopted grandchild; Felicia, and 2 great grandchildren; Arti and Shiloh. His ability to accept and embrace those from all walks of life is, to this day, an inspiration. His family is fortunate to have had him as a guide.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael Tardy Johnson, Sr., and is survived by his wife, Megan (Eckard) Johnson.

“I have had a very wonderful life, both from my own great kids and including all within the Johnson family. No one person could ask for more than this.” RTJ, Jr.

A viewing will be held from 2:00 – 4:00, Thursday, October 7, 2021 at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, immediately followed by gathering for all at the home of Russell and Katie Johnson; 14901 Berryville Rd., Darnestown, MD.

Friday, October 8 will be a graveside service and burial at 12:00 pm, St. George’s Catholic Church, 19199 St. George’s Church Rd., Valley Lee, MD.

Memorial donations may be made to SOME [So Others Might Eat] or the Wounded Warrior Project.