Joe Bill “Joe” Johnson, age 90, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, with his family by his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 2:00pm at Rocky Fork Christian Church with Rev. Phillip Hare officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery. Family will receive friends following the burial in the church fellowship hall.
Born in Surry County, North Carolina, into a farming family to parents Levi Johnson and Thelma Johnson Rickard, he spent a portion of his childhood and most of his adult life in Lee County. After graduating from Greenwood High School, he was married to Edna Holder of Cameron for 61 years and began a career in insurance sales, owning an agency in Sanford, NC, and finished his career working for the Insurance Commissioner for the state of North Carolina. An additional part-time career was in real estate with Century 21 and as an instructor for insurance courses at CCCC in Sanford, NC.
Joe was an active member of Rocky Fork Christian Church, serving as treasurer and a term as Chairman of the Board; community member for both Lee and Chatham County, participating in programs such as Highway to Healing, Lions Club, Lee County Fair, Board of Elections, Meals on Wheels and Chatham County Senior Games. He found joy in helping others and, late in life, learning to play the bass guitar, joining along with others in a band.
He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson of Sanford, daughter, Stephanie Johnson Henry (Mike) of Pittsboro, and grandchildren, Major Ashley Henry and Captain Joshua Henry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Ray Johnson and Roger Allen Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rocky Fork Christian Church Cemetery Fund.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
