Gene Johnson

Eugene “Gene” Johnson, 73, of Willow Spring, NC; formerly of Las Vegas, NV; passed away suddenly and went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2026, at WakeMed in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era before beginning a career that eventually brought him and his family to Las Vegas, where he worked in casino security and surveillance and later became a successful business owner. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and deeply valued the friendship and brotherhood he found among his fellow veterans.

He was truly one of a kind—quick-witted, sarcastic, larger than life and always ready to make someone laugh. He loved his family fiercely, treasured his friends and never met a stranger.

Gene was a was a 1st Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol of the Harnett Composite Squadron. He was a member of American Legion Post 116, in Fuquay-Varina and an active member of their American Legion Riders.

He leaves behind his heartbroken daughter, Darla Pellersels; son-in-law, Chad Pellersels; beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn Pellersels and Wyatt Pellersels; siblings, Nadine Farmer, Billy Johnson, Shannon Fike and Tracy Smith Mathis; and his longtime companion, Claudia Mundt. He also leaves Claudia's son, Philip Bass, his wife, Nicole, and their children, Hayden and Chase, who all miss him dearly. Also mourning his loss are his stepchildren, Corina Sailer and Richard Skewes; step grandchildren, Toni, Savannah, Quentin, Christopher, Keoni and Shelby; extended family; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Lou Smith Johnson; father, Dewey E. Atkins; wife of 21 years, Linda Neiger Johnson; and siblings, Sonja Brunner, Bud Atkins and Brenda Taylor.

Gene was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service will be 2:00PM Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the Bryan Lee Funeral Home, Angier chapel; 300 E. McIver St., Angier, NC.

Following the memorial service, family and friends are invited to gather with us at American Legion Post 116, 6400 Johnson Pond Rd., Fuquay-Varina, NC, to continue celebrating Gene’s life, sharing stories, and remembering a man who meant so much to so many.

A motorcycle procession will lead the way from the funeral home to the American Legion Post 116; 6400 Johnson Pond Rd., Fuquay-Varina, NC. All riders are welcome to join us as we make this special ride in his honor.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.