Murdick Fennel Johnson
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Murdick F. Johnson, Jr. passed peacefully on 12/ 6 /2021 at age 91 supported in love by family and friends. Murdick was born in Wilmington, NC on August 17, 1930 to the late Murdick F and Lucy (Nee Norris) Johnson of Wilmington. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Wilbur, Fred, Bascom, and Roy and 6 sisters, Clara Drevyn, Vadie Sikes, Marguerite Brock, Lillian Fry, Letha McWhirter, and Blanche Stanley.
In high school, Murdick was in ROTC. He later joined the Naval Reserve and was called to service in the US Navy during the Korean war. After service, he began a career working in a test lab for utility poles. His career as a lumber inspector led Murdick and his wife, Jean, to settle in Valdosta, Georgia where he worked for McCallum Inspection company at Langdale lumber.
Murdick enrolled and graduated with a BA degree in accounting from Valdosta State University, which led to a career change. Upon graduation, Murdick joined Gilman Building Products and remained there until his retirement in 1996.
Murdick's faith sustained him throughout his life. He was an active member of the men's ministry of Valdosta's First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Murdick volunteered for First Presbyterian's mission trip to help rebuild homes in Mississippi after hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Murdick was determined to make the most of retirement. He and Jean extensively traveled across the country that he so dearly loved, seeing the beautiful landscapes and visiting friends and family. In retirement, he kept busy with golf and woodworking He even managed 2 "holes in one" during his quest for the perfect golf game.
Murdick is survived by his loving wife, Jean of 71 years, daughter Teresa Lynch (Robert) of Raleigh, 2 grandchildren: Courtney Brener (Michael) of Melbourne, Australia and Tyler Lynch of Raleigh, sister-in-law Joyce Snow of Rocky Mount, and many beloved nephews and nieces.
A service to celebrate the life of Murdick Johnson will take place on Friday, December 10 in Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to First Presbyterian Church's break bread ministry.