Raymond Dean Johnson

Raymond Dean Johnson, 79, of Ashland, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Avita Health Systems in Ontario, Ohio.

Ray was born October 9, 1944 in Ashland, Ohio to Barney and Flora {Shields} Johnson.

Ray graduated from Ashland high school in 1963, lettering in football, wrestling, and track all 3 years. He represented AHS at the state level in wrestling and held the shot put record for almost 20 years. 

He married Sharon McClain on August 1, 1964. 

Ray retired in 1996 after 31 years of service from General Motors Company in Ontario. After that he spent many years at home helping raise the younger kids and grandchildren. Taking them fishing, to the park, and attending their activities at school sporting events, band, choir, plays, church events and mainly being the best taxi driver to them all. He was a bowler in his younger days and always loved golfing and recently returned to the sport after a few years hiatus while caring for the love of his life when she fell ill with cancer. He was on the golf course with all his buddies when this tragedy occurred, and we are so glad they were with him during this time. Ray was an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. He attended Peace Lutheran Church on special occasions with his family. 

Ray will be deeply missed by his children Karen (Raymond) Warren of Ashland, Stephen (Diana) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, Matt Johnson of Ashland, John Johnson of Ashland, Erica (Tom Switzer) Mullett of West Palm Beach, FL, Cora (Joseph Graser) Johnson of Ashland, and Danny Johnson of Ashland; grandchildren Darby and Elizabeth Warren, Amber Cordell, Haleigh Baker, Heather Johnson, Hailie (James Wilson), Lincoln, and Peyton Mullett; great-grandchildren Nicholas, Aiden, Eliza, and Leo.

Ray was preceded in death by his Wife Sharon, brothers Wendell (Camilla) Johnson, Charles (Virginia) Johnson, and George (Virginia) Johnson, brother-in-law James Ward, and his parents.

Friends may call Monday October 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Ashland Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home (and livestreamed at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com/obituaries/Raymond-Johnson). Burial will be at Ashland County Memorial Park. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Cancer Association 1011 E. Main St. Ste. A, Ashland, OH 44805.