Our beloved patriarch, Willie Ralph Johnson - known to so many as Mr. Willie, Uncle Willie, and most importantly, Granddaddy - passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. He was born on September 6, 1931, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Willie attended Winston-Salem public schools. In 1956, Willie was inducted into the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He retired from RJ Reynolds and Centenary United Methodist Church. He married Sara Johnson and raised their son, Alfred Dobson, both of whom preceded his death. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Willie loved and collected watches and clocks of all kinds. He loved music and loved to DJ at many events. During his later years you would see him sitting in his power recliner with his beloved dog, Otto on his lap watching westerns all day.

Willie was also preceded in death by his parents, George Henry and Mammie Johnson; three brothers, George Jr., Earl and Ernest Johnson; two sisters, Elizabeth Ellis and Estelle Fries; and one great- great- grandson Amir Melton.

He leaves to cherish his memory: 5 grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; 10 great- great - grandchildren; nieces Odette Jeffries and Tonya Butler; nephew, Jessie; his beloved dog, Otto Johnson; and a host of family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 2:30pm on Friday at the Chapel.