David Vance Johnson was born on March 22, 1971 in Staunton, Virginia. Shortly thereafter he moved with his family to Cary, and, again, at the age of 14, to Rockingham, where he finished his education, graduating from Richmond Senior High in 1989. He then went into roofing and later construction of houses.
David was a down-to-earth country boy, usually sporting khaki shorts, flip-flops, T-shirt and his signature bandana. He loved the outdoors and hunting. He was always trying to help anyone who needed it and was someone you could always count on. He greeted his friends with a big hug and smile. When he walked into the room, it instantly made it a brighter place. Nieces and nephews recall hearing many stories of the mischief he shared with his two older brothers. And how, if he was visiting, one had to make sure that there was plenty of Mountain Dew on hand. They recalled his ability to make everyone laugh and his own infectious one that could be heard a mile away, a sound they feel they will sorely miss.
It is no secret that David grew up with a mother who loves to cook, creating a pastime he enjoyed throughout his adult life. Anytime he crafted a new dish, he made sure that his mother got a plate. Thanksgiving and Christmas you could find him in her kitchen. He was the master at making (really just whipping) the mashed potatoes.
From the outside, David may have seemed tough and gruff. They had only to see how he treated his beloved cats to know he had a soft side. Those were his babies. He, himself, was surprised to discover that he was a cat person, having previously owned dogs. But when he took in a neglected neighborhood cat that soon gave birth, he fell in love with one that he kept and named Sprout and that was the end of it.
David possessed a lifelong affinity for UNC sports, an opinion commonly challenged by his Wolfpack-cheering family.
David died Saturday, June 19, 2021 of a heart attack, leaving behind his bereaved mother, Joan Kashouty Beane of Fuquay Varina; his father, Danny Johnson, stepmother, Dianne, and half-brother Steve, all of Raleigh; his older sister, Michelle Smith and husband, Scott, of Leonardtown, Maryland; two older brothers, Ken Johnson and wife, Erin, and Daniel Johnson and wife, Tanya, all of Raleigh; stepsister, Jackie Esposito and husband, Frank, of Holly Springs; and his beloved soulmate, Julia Bullard of Rockingham. He also left behind numerous adoring nephews, nieces and cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Junior W. Beane of Rockingham.
A private celebration of his life will be held July 17, 2021.
Fifty years was not long enough with you. We will forever miss your smile, sense of humor and the love you radiated.
