Born on March 26, 1929 in Anderson, AL, Ira moved to Indianapolis IN at a young age. He served in the Army during the Korean War as a tank gunner Sergeant with the 89th Tank Regiment. Following his discharge, he returned to his work at L.S. Ayers & Company in Indianapolis where he met the love of his life, Grace Montani.
He became employed by Balkamp, Inc. a supplier to NAPA Auto Parts, and embarked on a 37 year career which took him into the field of sales, perfectly suited to his dynamic personality. He was assigned a territory in the Southeast, and in 1970 moved his family to Greensboro, NC where he made many dear friends. After retiring from Balkamp, Ira continued his enjoyment of sales and customer service work, assisting Richard, his son at Triad Graphic Resources, Inc. in High Point, from 1995-2009.
Gene, as he was known to most of his family, was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud, generous grandfather. The dedication and integrity he put into his work was an example for everyone. He received many honors over the years with Balkamp, the most cherished being the admiration and respect of all who knew him. He loved traveling, gardening, telling jokes, meeting new people, and sharing time with his grandchildren, family and friends. His strong faith in the Lord carried him through many struggles and challenges. Gene was a blessing to everyone he came in contact with, and he will be deeply missed.
Ira Eugene Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Sylvania Johnson along with five brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Grace Montani Johnson whom he affectionately called “Doll”. Family survivors also include son Richard, daughter Terri and her husband Mike Edwards of Asheville, four grandchildren, Meghan and Ryan Johnson of Raleigh NC, Aaron Johnson of Greensboro, NC. Sara Edwards of Asheville, NC and two sisters, Birdie Hutter of Sarasota, FL and Imogene Hood of Indianapolis, IN.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel, burial with Military Honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard will follow in Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Flowers are sincerely appreciated or memorial contributions may also be made to St. Pius the Tenth Catholic Church building fund, 200 State St., Greensboro, NC 27408.
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