Dr. Ryland Earl Johnson, Jr.

Dr. Ryland Earl Johnson, Jr. slipped away from us at the age of 83. He was surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Earl was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, loyal friend, veteran, and respected Raleigh dentist.

Born on March 28, 1943, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Earl was the only child of Mattie Louise Peebles Johnson and Ryland Earl Johnson, Sr. His early childhood took him from Raleigh to Yellowstone and countless places in between as his dad’s career moved the family often. Those early travels sparked a lifelong sense of curiosity, wanderlust, and appreciation for people and experiences from all walks of life.

Despite facing the heartbreaking loss of his mother as a young boy, Earl was profoundly influenced by the love and support of his Aunt Martha and his father, whose guidance helped shape the man he became. He often spoke with gratitude about the teachers and coaches who encouraged him along the way and never forgot the sacrifices his family made for him.

A gifted athlete, Earl excelled in track and field, basketball and football at Raleigh’s Needham B. Broughton High School. He was an All-American, earned numerous state and regional honors throughout his high school career and was named the number one basketball player in the state by Dell Sports Magazine. He captained Broughton’s 1962 State Championship football team and the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team, while also setting conference records in the broad jump and high jump. He was later inducted into the Broughton High School Hall of Fame. Athletics helped shape the discipline, determination, and competitive spirit that defined his life.

Through sports during his early years at Broughton, Earl formed many of the close friendships that would remain central throughout his life. His leadership qualities later led to his election as President of the Class of ’62 and Vice President of the student body. Those lifelong friendships endured long after graduation, as he continued to gather twice a year for golf trips with the same close group of friends—a cherished tradition that spanned more than four decades and reflected the deep and lasting bonds they shared.

As Dean Smith’s first recruit, Earl attended UNC Chapel Hill on a basketball scholarship—a distinction that brought great excitement and pride to both Earl and his family. After two years of basketball, he shifted his focus to football, playing tight end for Coach Jim Hickey and the Tar Heels. During his years at Carolina, he was also a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

After graduating from UNC, Earl pursued his lifelong dream of dentistry at UNC’s School of Dentistry. Following dental school, he proudly served his country as a captain in the United States Air Force, including a deployment to Suwon Air Base, where he served as the base dental commander. During his military service, he developed a deep admiration for the South Korean people and earned a first-degree black belt in karate.

In 1972, Earl met the love of his life, Shelly Amend. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They married on May 27, 1972, just months after meeting on a blind date, and together built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, adventure, and unconditional love.

Shortly after returning to Raleigh, Earl took a leap of faith and opened a dental practice with the support of Shelly, who worked alongside him in the office for decades.

Sailing was one of Earl’s greatest passions and led to many memorable adventures. He earned his captain’s license and enjoyed delivering boats, as well as many trips with family and friends to the Florida Keys and the Virgin Islands.

Earl was extremely proud of the two children he and Shelly raised, Wes and Rye. Life as a family was filled with sports, travel, beach time, and many hours enjoying the lake at their Raleigh home with their beloved black lab, Sam.

After Wes and Rye graduated from college, Earl and Shelly found a little “cracker cottage” on Lemon Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast. They loved it there and spent many rejuvenating winters enjoying time on the water, golf, beautiful sunsets, and boating. The tug of grandchildren eventually brought them back to Raleigh full-time in 2016.

Earl was predeceased by his parents, Mattie Louise Peebles Johnson and Ryland Earl Johnson, Sr.; his stepmother, Vera Culler Johnson; and his stepsister, Jackie Culler Starnes.

Nothing brought Earl more pride than his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shelly Amend Johnson; his son, Wes Ryland Johnson (Jackie); his daughter, Rye Johnson Honeycutt (Brooks); and his four cherished grandchildren, Rhodes and Ryland Johnson and Carlisle and EJ Honeycutt, all of Raleigh. He adored being “Big E” and found immense joy in watching his grandchildren grow and play sports.

Earl lived a full and meaningful life marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to those closest to him. His influence will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible teams at Transitions LifeCare and WakeMed ICU for the care and support they received.

A celebration of life reception will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 300 St. Mary’s Street in Raleigh, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Broughton Capital Foundation (student and teacher support), the Broughton Athletics Legacy Foundation, or Transitions LifeCare (hospice).

www.nbhscapitalfoundation.com

www.bhsathleticsfoundation.com

www.transitionslifecare.org/donate