Mr. James Ryland Johnson, 87, of Covington, went on to his next adventure on Friday, May 20th, 2022.
Ryland, as he was known by most, was born in Covington VA on July 6th, 1934. The 4th of 5 children of Frank and Sallie Johnson, Ryland graduated from Covington High School in 1952, was honorably discharged from the US Army in December of 1955 and then went to Richmond Technical Institute to earn a degree in business management. While working on his degree, he also worked for Mize and Frischkorn Supply Companies, which brought him back to Covington in 1963 to manage Mountain Supply Corp for Mr. Mize, where he worked for over 35 years. He married Donna Rose in 1966 and built his life and family in the area he so loved. He was also one of the founding members of Temple Baptist Church.
Ryland was an avid sportsman and lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, tennis, skiing, and bowling. He also loved beaches and spending family vacations there. He belonged to the Civitan Club, the Jaycees, Men of Mission and several other organizations throughout his many years. One of his favorite places to be was on his father-in-law’s farm in Paint Bank VA, where he would hunt, enjoy walking in the woods and working on the farm during garden season. He was a man who believed in family first and he enjoyed the holidays when most of the extended family could gather for Christmas Morning breakfast, a tradition he continued until his health no longer allowed it.
Ryland was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Donna (Rose); his parents, Frank D Johnson, Sr. and Sallie; two brothers and their wives, Frank D Johnson Jr. and Juanita, Maurice L Johnson and Elizabeth; two sisters and their husbands, Mary Frances Halterman and Bedford, and Elizabeth Reyns and Robert, as well as a special niece, Cynthia Halterman Turner.
He is survived by his daughter, Beverly G Johnson and her partner, Lindsey, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom he loved dearly.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Alleghany Memorial Park with Rev. Bill Hartsfield officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 7:00 P.M until 8:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to any of the following: Alleghany Humane Society, Alleghany Arts Council, Men of Mission or any Veterans program.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
