Rev. Richard S. Johnson, Sr. Obituary (1931 - 2020)

Reverend Richard Stuart Johnson, Sr. of Richmond Virginia, was born in the Granite neighborhood of Chesterfield County, Virginia on June 19, 1931 and entered eternal life on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the age of 89, while tending his beloved garden. "I stay in the garden with Him, Though the night around me is falling. But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling." This loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and Pastor's spirit is carried on by his wife and best friend of almost 65 years Phillis, loving and loyal son Richard S. Johnson, Jr. (wife Edith Cheryl), grandchildren Ivy Young (husband Joseph and daughter Alexa) and Brittany Rodney (husband Earvin and children Zoe, Roxe and Earvin, Jr.) three surviving siblings Louise Lewis, Frank Cox, Jr. (wife Shirley), Doris Lacy and extended family and friends from every walk of life. He was preceded in death by Alice Cox (Mother), Walter Johnson (Father), Mary Broadnax (Grandmother), Martha Mickens (Aunt), Simon Johnson (Brother) and Ida Barksdale (Sister). Upon graduation from George Washington Carver High School, he volunteered four years of public service in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in 1954. After marrying the love of his life Phillis on December 31, 1955 he adopted the Hickory Hill neighborhood as his place of residence, became a Scout Master of Troop 499, an Adult Sunday School Teacher and field worker of the Chesterfield County Sunday School Union. He served 10 years as the Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Broad Rock Baptist Church. As prophesied by the midwife that delivered him, he was destined to become a preacher. He broaden the scope of his Spiritual knowledge by completing courses at the School of Theology at Virginia Union University and received certificates in management from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (known as Virginia Tech) and Tri-State Labor School. Pastor Johnson's call to the gospel was evident in 1976. His initial sermon was preached Sunday, January 30, 1977. He was called to pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Chesterfield, Va. in May of 1977 and ordained on December 4, 1977 where he served as Pastor for 24 and a half years. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Johnson founded and established Solid Rock Baptist Church located in Richmond, Virginia in November of 2001 and has served as a loving and humble Pastor for 19 years. This Shepherd of God was continuously "Happy from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet." He has showered us with immeasurable love, whether it was through growing his garden; working on his 1956 Bel-Air Chevy; meeting new friends from thrift store hopping; golfing with his son and buddies; humming old negro spirituals; showing off his 2 goats, CoCo & JoJo, to his great-grandchildren; sneaking midnight snacks from his secret stashes supplied by his doting nieces; delivering goods to church members or spreading the Almighty Word of God. "May Heaven smile upon you" (what he'd always say before parting ways) has suddenly become more meaningful. This "Ole Country Boy" as he often referred to himself, has "gone on home to Glory" and is receiving his just reward in Heaven. At the family's request there will be a private graveside service. The public viewing will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 9 AM to 6 PM at Mimms Funeral Services, 1827 Hull St. Richmond, VA 23224. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be donated to Solid Rock Baptist Church, 3013 Decatur St. Richmond, VA 23224.