Orville Larue Johnson

Orville Larue Johnson, 84, of Millville, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, with his wife by his side. He was born Oct. 14, 1937, in Millville, a son of the late Hurley and Bernice (Ortwine) Johnson.

He graduated from Millville High School, Class of 1955, and then served time in the United States Navy. Larue was on the USS Kearsarge and the USS Hornet. For many years he served his childhood church, Salem United Methodist Church, as a superintendent and a Sunday School teacher for the Young People’s class. Larue also served as treasurer for the Salem Cemetery Association.

On April 3, 1959, he married the love of his life, the former Pearl Duncan Kile. For 34 years he was employed by ACF in Milton, as a welder. In his earlier years, he did a lot of bowling, hunting, and fishing. After retiring he enjoyed playing a round of golf (I’ll take a bogey on that one!). Larue always enjoyed time spent with family and friends and cherished every moment of it. His grandsons thought so much of him that he was asked to be in each of their weddings, twice as best man and once for a reading from the Bible. 

Larue is survived by his wife, Pearl: daughter, Marilyn, and husband, Philip Fodness; three grandsons: Benjamin Hock (Bryna), Jonathan Hock (Sylvia), Joshua Hock (Lucy); three step-grandchildren: Tracy Campbell (Jeff), Bryan Fodness (Jamie), Kristen Fodness: and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as by two sisters: Emma Smith, Gay Ann Gearhart; brother, Francis Johnson, wife, Cindy; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as sister, Pearl Tranor and husband, Frank; and brother-in-law, John Gearhart.

Services will be Monday, July 25, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Old Salem United Methodist Church, 8928 Moreland Baptist Road, Unityville, with the Rev. Bill McNeal, former pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m.  until time of service.

Family and friends may send online condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com. The Bunnell Funeral Home Inc., Millville, is handling arrangements.

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