Johnny Cleave Johnson

COLUMBUS - Johnny Cleave Johnson was born September 17, 1938 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He departed this life peacefully on January 18, 2023 at his home in Columbus, Ohio. Johnny was raised in large part by his grandparents and his aunt Marie. As young men Johnny and his cousin Fred Johnson would travel to Columbus and make the city their home. They both worked at Swan Cleaners, from which Johnny would eventually retire. Johnny also worked at the dry cleaning business that Fred later started, New Holy Hill Cleaners. Johnny also worked at John W. Galbreath and Company and in the building maintenance business as well. It was in the workplace that Johnny met his longtime companion, Carrie Reynolds. They formed a friendship that lasted more than three decades and Johnny became like a family member to Carrie’s family. It was through Carrie that Johnny became a member of the Columbus branch of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research (IDMR). Johnny was a devout member of the IDMR and attended classes regularly until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and by his sisters Matilda Radcliff and Barbara (Luther) Joyce, brother Phillip Radcliff, cousin Fred Johnson, aunt Marie Johnson, and his longtime companion Carrie Reynolds. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews and close friends who thought of him as family.

Johnny was a hard-working, generous, sincere man who was always willing to help a friend or family member in need. He would always greet everyone with a warm, welcoming smile. In his leisure time he loved watching sports and was a big Green Bay Packers fan. He was always more than willing to pass on to others any knowledge he gained through his life experiences. He was loved and will be missed by many.