Dateline: Gastonia, N.C.

Van Michael "Mike" Johnson, Sr. 64 of Gastonia died Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

He was a native of Gaston County and the son of the late C.L. Johnson and Faye Upton Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held 3 PM Thursday, April 15, 2010 in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia with Reverends Dickie Spargo, Dale Lawing and David Armstrong officiating.

Interment will follow in Gaston Memorial Park with full honors provided by the Gastonia Fire Department.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 noon until 2:30 PM at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia.

Mike was a US Navy Veteran and served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington, member of Bethlehem Church, retired Captain of the Gastonia Fire Department, with over twenty years of service. He enjoyed his 1965 Corvette and often entered it in local car shows that would benefit nonprofit organizations, he was a former member of local Corvette Clubs. He was a graduate of Ashley High School and received his Fire Science Degree from Gaston College. 

Survivors include his wife of 41years, Betty Smith Johnson, son, Van Michael Johnson, Jr. of Charlotte, daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Wesley Walker of Bessemer City, beloved grandson, Jonathan Walker, sister, Judy Baker of Clover, S.C., nieces, Alesia Jones and Tammy Rowland

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Johnson, 

Members of the Gastonia Fire Department will be serving as Honor Guard, Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Church building fund 3100 Bethlehem Church Street Gastonia, N.C. 28056

Mike's family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Gastonia Fire Department for all that they have done to help their family during this difficult time and to countless friends that have prayed and been with them on this Journey, the family would to thank the staff and congregation of Bethlehem Church.