Claxton Ray ‘Johnny’ Johnson
Master Chief Petty Officer, USN, Retired
June 20, 1937
Sept. 4, 2013
Claxton R. Johnson Sr. passed Sept. 4, 2013, in his Oak Harbor home, with Barbara, his loving and supportive wife of 51 years by his side.
Georgia Ann and James Awbrey Johnson welcomed their first son Claxton R. Johnson on June 20, 1937, in Malone, Ala. His farming roots, community and family were important to him throughout his life. Combining the strong work ethic and moral values he learned growing up on the farm with his parents and eight brothers and sisters, he found opportunity and success by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1955 at age 17.
While stationed in Virginia Beach he met and married a strong guiding force in his life, Barbara Ann Haynes. Together they started a family and forged a long illustrious Naval career, the majority at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor. Living in Oak Harbor since 1966, they raised five children and through commitment, loyalty and determination to one another they accomplished the goals they set out to achieve. Claxton and Barbara are a love story of dedication to one another through thick and thin. Barbara matched his strength and helped him to be the leader he became. Claxton cherished and nurtured that bond with respect and courage until the end.
He served honorably and faithfully in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and after his retirement, worked another 10-plus years for Grumman, Inc. as a technical representative. Through many demanding Naval assignments he was formerly recognized for making significant contributions to the A-6 and EA-6B aircraft maintenance community. These same career traits translated into his family and personal life.
Education was important to Claxton and Barbara. Together they sent and supported all of their children through college and career choices; each completing college with degrees ranging from associates to master degrees, and careers ranging from graphic design, business, education, fashion design and communications. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Oak Harbor Black Citizens Association (OHBCA), an organization that developed community awareness and provided college scholarships for local high school students of color. In 2005, he was proud to attend his 50th high school class reunion from Randolph County Training School.
Claxton had an incredible green thumb producing cabbages the size of basketballs and footlong green beans. He was generous with his produce giving to family, friends and community organizations.
Claxton had a natural affinity for home construction, becoming an excellent builder, designing two additions to his home. Being an accomplished mechanic, he could fix and repair anything. To the very end, he was sharp. From his bed, he was directing the installation of home items, giving meticulous and detailed instructions from memory.
Living out his faith and devotion to God, family, and community he was a strong force; a member of Church on the Rock, formerly First Baptist Church in Oak Harbor for 30-plus years. Steady, honest and consistent, he was appointed to financial secretary, faithfully serving for many years.
Claxton leaves many legacies and he inspired others in all he did. Claxton embodied the essence of integrity and excellence, giving generously and committed to the right things: his family, friends, community and country. He was courageous to the end.
Claxton is preceded in death by his father, James Awbrey Johnson, mother, Georgia Ann Johnson, and a brother Vinson Johnson. Claxton is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Haynes Johnson; his children: Anita Johnson, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Claxton Johnson Jr. (Anita), of Fredericksburg, Va.; Darice Johnson, of Kent, Wash.; Erica Millbrooks (Ronald), of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Bryan Johnson (Robyn), of Houston, Texas; Ricky Haynes (brother-in-law); grandchildren: Raqhelle Millbrooks, Layla Millbrooks, Claxton Ray Johnson III, Belinda Johnson and Anala Millbrooks. Siblings, Rudolph Johnson (Shirley) Juline McClinton (Lonnie-d), Frances Williams, Tommy Johnson (Johnnie Mae), Edward Johnson, Sidney Johnson (Magdalene), Shirley Walker and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Church on the Rock, 1780 S.E. Fourth Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Viewing will be held 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Wallin Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to Wallin Funeral Home. Donations may be sent to Randolph County Training School Scholarship Fund on behalf of Claxton Johnson, P.O. Box 1411 Roanoke, AL 36274
Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Homes and Cremation. Friends and family are encouraged to share condolences and memories utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
