Friends of the late William Ray Johnson, 66, of Dover, may call on the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, and again beginning at noon Friday, Feb. 5, at the Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, where services will be held at 1 p.m.
Mr. Johnson died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at home.
Born March 31, 1943, in Georgetown, he was the son of the late Clarence and Clara Johnson.
Upon graduation from Georgetown High School, Mr. Johnson attended Goldey Beacom College and graduated with a degree in accounting. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves from 1963 to 1971 while working as an accountant.
He began work for the state of Delaware as a senior accountant for the Budget Commission in 1968. He developed the initial accounting system that resulted in helping fund the state’s many public parklands. In 1971, he joined in the creation of the Office of Pensions as its fiscal administrative officer. He helped to computerize the office in the 1980s and spearheaded many initiatives that continue to support Delaware’s retirees. “Ray J,” as his office nicknamed him, retired from the office Sept. 1, 2008, serving the state proudly for 39 years and 10 months. He continued to support the office as a part-time consultant until the day he died.
Mr. Johnson was the chairman of the 32nd Representative District Democrat Committee, served on the county and state committees of the Democratic Party, and tirelessly worked to help elect many of Delaware’s elected officials statewide.
In his spare time he continued to support the community. He was a member of the Capital Grange and Delaware Lighthouse Society, working on the repair and maintenance of the Breakwater Light. He coached Little League, YMCA soccer, basketball, and Kent County softball teams as his children grew up in Dover.
His favorite times were being with his wife, Claudia and their family.
Mr. Johnson loved traveling, especially to Sanibel Island, Fla., where he relaxed by shelling, riding his bike, and walking on the beach.
He was a life long athlete. He loved football, baseball, basketball, racing, and fishing. A former racecar driver, he enjoyed watching NASCAR, but nothing topped his devotion to Notre Dame Football and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Mr. Johnson was truly dedicated to his family and friends always giving to others and expecting nothing in return.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his life partner and wife of 41 years, Claudia; a daughter, Donna Johnson and her boyfriend, Chip Riddleberger; and a son and his wife, Randy and Aubrey Johnson.
He also is survived by two grandsons who were shining stars in his eyes, Kyle and Chase Johnson; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Johnson, and Ronald Johnson; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Barbara and Ralph Eaton, and Karen Warren; his nieces and nephews, Sandy, Rich, Larney, Shannon, Craig, and Kelly; and many other family members and friends.
Letters of condolence may be sent via www.torbertfuneral.com.
