Gary "Hot Rod" Durant Johnson, Sr.

Gary Durant Johnson, Sr., known affectionately as "Hot Rod," passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 71.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM, Monday, February 10, 2025 at Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium Chapel officiated by Rev. Richard Tyson.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:30 PM.

Born on September 25, 1953, in Lumberton, NC, he spent his final years in Laurel Hill, NC, where he was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Gary was a dedicated butcher by profession, known for his hard work and commitment to quality. Outside of his career, he cherished spending time with his loved ones, sharing laughter and good times, and had a passion for NASCAR.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Burns Johnson; and their four daughters, Mindy Coles and her spouse, Mike, Bobbie M. Johnson, Kimberly N. Johnson and her spouse, Jonathan Barnes, and Jessica D. Johnson. Gary was a proud grandfather to Victoria Cornwell and her spouse, Shane, Abagail Willis, Madison Sanders and her spouse, Justin, Tyler Faulk, Richard Oldham, Anakin House, River Johnson, Travis Hair, Colin Coles, Kayleb Coles and Avery Reames. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Lainey Faulk, Layla Faulk [LG], and Layla Willis; along with a great-grandson, Nashtyn Cornwell [Bubba]. He is also survived by his special dog companions, JinJIn, Little Man, Trigger, and Leia Bug. Gary is further survived by his brother, Ted Johnson and his spouse, Betty; and his sister, Gina Wallace. His warmth, humor, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Johnson; his mother, Daisy Johnson, and his son, Gary Johnson Jr.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Johnson family.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Shriners Hospital for Children
2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607