Walter Johnson

Walter "Wally J" Johnson passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 at 4pm at age 75. He is survived by his son, Tim Johnson, and daughter, Lindsay and her husband John G. McAdam, and grandchildren, Logan Johnson, and John W. and Samuel McAdam. He will be met in heaven by his wife of over 40 years, Shirley Johnson, mother, Doretta "Rae" Willinghan, and father Clarence "Mel" Johnson. He leaves behind an amazing art talent, and so many stories.

In his younger days, our dad, a self proclaimed hippie and huge fan of VW buses, was more than a little wild. From driving to Florida in his beloved bus to living in one in Colorado, his life never lacked for adventure. He shared some of his adventures with our late mother, and later us kids. From summers spent drinking too much with the other dads and playing "demolition volleyball" in the Appalachian mountains, to speeding up the road by our house in a borrowed sports car and bs'ing the cop that pulled him over to let him off, to sharing drinks with Stephen Stills at a bar in Aspen when he was wilding out in Colorado, our dad lived his life out loud.

Of course, all that wildness takes a toll on a person. In his later years, our dad slowed down and suffered from a myriad of health issues throughout his life. Eventually, a little more than a year and a half after the passing of his beloved wife, after a long sickness and physical challenges, he set off on his greatest adventure yet. To quote Grace Potter, he's up on Heaven's boulevard now, hopefully seeing my mom again and having a cup of coffee or a cold one, and maybe watching some F1. He was a lover of classic rock, politics, watching racing at Summit Point, and was a Ravens fan, even though he didn't like to admit it. Our dad, the OG van lifer, racing fan, and eternal rock 'n roller, we love you and will miss you so, so much. Stay wild, old guy.

In accordance with our Dad's wishes, there will be no viewing or service. In lieu of flowers, share a memory or experience you had with him. Go make memories, live your life, and tell your stories. Our dad certainly did.