Joseph Richard "Rick" Johnson , of Ormond Beach, Florida, died of natural causes September 19, 2020 at age 87 in the home he shared with his beloved wife of nearly 20 years.

A Florida native, Rick was born April 27, 1933 in Holly Hill, Florida to Clara and Barter Johnson. He spent his youth and much of his adult life in DeLand, Florida, and was a graduate of DeLand High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. He married his high school sweetheart (Marilyn, deceased 1993) in 1952, and together they brought up their family of three children in DeLand.

His early career was as a business owner/operator, and many DeLand residents will remember the iconic Johnson's Wholesale warehouse on N. Adelle Avenue. A life-long student, he studied engineering at the University of Florida in his earlier years, and at the age of 50, while running the business full-time, Rick earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Stetson University. He went on to become a full-time accountant, and always on a mission to expand his knowledge and engage in meaningful work, he focused his efforts on tax accounting. Even though he was technically retired, Rick was still skillfully preparing tax returns for clients at the age of 87!

Rick discovered the joy of cruising in his early 60's, and it was on a cruise ship that he met Marion, his soon-to-be wife and international traveling companion for the next 20 years. Rick had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with virtually anyone, and made friends of all kinds everywhere in the world they traveled.

Athletic by nature, Rick enjoyed sports of all kinds, particularly golf and college football. He also enjoyed dancing, puzzles and games of all kinds, and a good nap in his recliner! He especially looked forward to the annual Christmas tradition at Aunt Catfish, which he and Marion hosted for many years to celebrate the season with close friends and family members.

Rick had a steadfast love for his family, which he proudly called "The Johnson Tribe." He is survived by his wife Marion, son Rick, daughter Cyndi, daughter-in-law Pamela, grandchildren Nathaniel, Amanda, Joshua, Hayley, Samara (John), Shawn (Eileen), and Adam (Katelyn), and great-grandchildren Cain, Brendan, Alana, Logan, Sofia, Joshie, Aiden, Avery, Carissa, Adalyn, and Gabrielle, brother and sister-in-law J. Edward and Edythe Johnson, and a host of much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews and other relations. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Barter and Clara Johnson, his first wife, Marilyn Rodes Johnson, and his son, Sam Johnson.

A general reception will be held at Lohman Funeral Home from 1:30-2:30, followed by a Memorial Service in the chapel on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Arrangements are in the care of Lohman Funeral Home, 733 Granada Boulevard, in Ormond Beach, Florida.