Raymond Johnson

79, of Wataga passed away at 8:14 am Sunday March 11, 2007 at OSF Saint Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, IL. Raymond Johnson was born March 7, 1928 in Success, AR to Jessie James and Ora Mae (Muse) Johnson (Forshee). Raymond married Nellie Gay Carter on Jan. 13, 1951 in Abingdon, IL. She survives along with their children Raylonda (Londie) Benson (Larry) East Peoria, IL, Jessie William Raymond Johnson (Kim Musgrave) of Galesburg, IL, Gaeleanor Sue Johnson, Wataga, IL, and Leesa Maeleah Stodden (Keith) Knoxville, IL. Raymond is also survived by five grandchildren: Shawna Benson and Julie Benson of Los Angeles, CA, Rebecca Lee Johnson (Michael Geier) of Abingdon, IL, Malinda Carley (Scott) of Abingdon, IL and Jessie William Raymond Johnson II of Galesburg, IL. Raymond has five Great Grandsons, Justin, Jacob, Keegan , Zander and Dominic. Raymond Johnson is also survived by his sister Annie Drane (Cecil) of Doniphan, MO, his brother Rev. J.W. Johnson (Betty) of Doniphan, MO, and his sister Nellie Fern Wallace (Alfred) of Benton, MO. Raymond was preceded in death by one son, Jimmy Ray Johnson, his parents, and seven brothers and sisters. Lehman, Walter James (Jack), Reva Mae, Lloyd Ray, Donald Ray, Jimmy Jay and Clifford. Raymond was raised around the Doniphan, MO area before moving to Illinois where he met and married Nellie Gay Carter. Raymond worked with his brothers picking peaches, strawberries and cotton in Southern Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas areas. Upon coming to Illinois Raymond worked for National Lock Co. in Rockford, IL; John Deere Planter in Moline, IL, Abingdon Sanitary Mfg. Co., Abingdon, IL, Abingdon Pottery, Abingdon, IL, Galesburg Malleable Co. Galesburg, IL, Butler Manufacturing Co., Admiral Corp. Galesburg, IL. Gates Rubber Co., Galesburg, IL. Raymond ran his welding shop in Farmington, IL and served as a Policeman on the Farmington Police Force. Raymond was a well known musician in Central Illinois who co-founded the "Missouri Playboys" country/western group featuring Doyle Riney, Jerry Hollingsworth, and Dave Martini during the late 1950's. Raymond played the upright bass fiddle and acted as the bands manager. The group enjoyed huge success in the surrounding Galesburg area. Raymond was proud of the fact that he was part of the first band to be featured on live radio broadcasts in Illinois at the Carthage Radio Station. He was also part of the first live commercial for microwave ovens in Illinois. His greatest joys were his children and grandchildren, playing music, hunting and fishing. He loved working on his old cars and collecting arrowheads found in the Central Illinois area. Raymond never met a stranger and was always known for his lively storytelling and his love of Cowboy movies of the 1930's and 1940's. Memorial contributions may be made to the family who will choose a charity or cause at a later time. Visitation will be held Wednesday March 14, 2007 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel from 6-8 pm. Raymond's funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 15, 2007 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel in Abingdon, IL. Raymond's Brother, Rev. J.W. Johnson, Doniphan, MO. will be officiating and burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery.

SERVICES A service summary is not available

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Johnson, please visit our floral store.