Howard M. Johnson, Sr. affectionately known as "Gold Boy" peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 6, 2019.  He was born on February 24, 1929, to the late McKinley Johnson and Alice S. Johnson in Goochland, Virginia.

Howard graduated from Central High School in Goochland Virginia in 1947. Howard accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Union Baptist Church, Goochland, Va.  He served in the United States Army until being honorably discharged in 1953.

Howard was joined in holy matrimony to the late Grace Elnora Shelton in 1951, and they had two children, Howard M. Johnson Jr. and Bryon Johnson, (who died in infancy).  Howard and his family were long time Richmond residents but lived briefly in Germany for 2 years, from 1973 to 1975.

Howard Sr. always had a passion for food service and worked for the majority of his career in the field.  Beginning as a cook at the McGuire Veterans Hospital, he then was hired as a 1st Cook at the Reynold's Metals Co. headquarters, a position that was very rewarding for him.  He ended his working career at the McGuire, Woods and Battle Law firm as the Facilities Coordinator.

Howard's love for cooking also inspired him to teach his son Howard Jr. the joy of cooking that he maintains today.  He and his son would often trade cooking secrets and talk about their world travels.

Howard attended the Circle Center Adult Day Care Center in Richmond, Virginia.  There he participated in all of the activities and exercise programs. He was very instrumental in offering his advice and there he earned the nicknames of "Big Poppa" and the "God Father".  He was very well loved by the staff and fellow patrons.

Always happy and witty, Howard Sr. loved to interact with people and was always known to tell a story or two with all the facts that he could make up.

He loved his 4 grandchildren, (Tierra, Alayna, Olivia and McKinley).  His face would light up when they were around and they loved taking "selfies" with Grandpa. The oldest two would tease him and tell him to behave himself while at the Circle Center with all the older women while the youngest granddaughter would often remind him that she was his favorite grandchild.  He enjoyed talking with each of them and especially loved sharing life stories and sports talk with his grandson, McKinley, who took care of his Grandpa with immense respect.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Howard M. Johnson, Jr., (Sonya),

4 grandchildren: Tierra A. Johnson, Alayna M. Johnson, Olivia S. Johnson and McKinley E. Johnson;  two brothers, Archie Johnson(Eva), Kenneth Johnson (Laverne); 2 sisters, Althea Shelton, Kathleen Allen(Cecil)  and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He will 'Rest Well'!