Philip Ray Johnson, 95, died peacefully on June 13, 2025. He was born in Goochland, Virginia, on his grandmother’s back porch on June 12, 1930 to Unis and Edith Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Courtney Bulak; sister, Joan Osterbind, and brother, Donnie Johnson.

He is survived by his best friend and much-loved wife of 72 years, Judith Mathews Johnson; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Doug Williams; son, Craig Johnson; grandchildren, Heather, Katy, John and Alpay; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle, Josphine, Quest, Veda, Norah, and sister, Barbara Brandis.

After graduating from John Marshall and University of Richmond, Phi Gamma Delta, he proudly served with the U.S. Marines. He worked in the family business, Southside Auto Supply, until retirement.

Phil began playing music with the Johnson Family at the age of four. He enjoyed playing his saxophone and clarinet around the area and at Donk’s Theater in Mathews. “A Touch of Class,” his band with Ruth, Donnie, Tommy and Randy was his pride and joy. Music was his Life!

He was a longtime member of Bainbridge Baptist Church and Newington Baptist Church in Gloucester.

Phil, a 50-year Master Mason was raised in Manchester Lodge #14. He was a member of ACCA Temple Shrine and served as Illustrious Potentate in 1978. His special love was the ACCA Million Dollar Band.

Phil was happiest living at the Rivah, boating, fishing and teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the Rivah Life.

A memorial service with Masonic Rites and military honors will be held 3 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue, Richmond. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private at The Virginia Veterans Cemetery, at Amelia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ACCA Transportation Fund, 1712 Bellevue Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23227.