Herbert Willis Johnson

Herbert Willis Johnson, 81, passed away quietly in his sleep on December 14, 2023. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1942, he is survived by his ever-loving wife of 55 years, Patricia, his sister, Janice Smith, as well as his three children: Frank Thomson, David Johnson, and Cheryl Stirling, Son-in-Law, Bobby Stirling, and three grandchildren: Trevor, Nathan, and Madelynn Stirling. Herb Johnson squeezed every ounce out of his 81 years. Fueled by a natural curiosity of the world, the universe and the people in it, he took every opportunity to travel to exotic destinations and meet and mingle with the local population. From his earliest days in the Navy, to his final career in the Foreign Service, his insatiable desire to see the world and experience life led him to far away beaches, dark jungles, and dangerous deserts. Every stop along the way shaped a global perspective that created a man who never met a stranger, and who relished conversations with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. He strove to experience as much in this life as possible- he cruised the streets on motorcycles and in sports cars, was both mariner and licensed pilot, held jobs as diverse as dog catcher with the Humane Society to engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center. He owned a record store in McLean and became known as the ‘mayor of Embassy Row’ during his time with GSA. When his family came along, he settled into his government career and fed his creative side by becoming an accomplished painter and model ship builder. An ardent believer in education and an avid reader, his most memorable past time was puffing on his pipe in the living room late into the night, with a book in his lap. Herb has left his mark far and wide and touched the lives of countless people. His example will be carried on to subsequent generations by those whose lives he touched, and he will be greatly missed. Family and friends will gather for a Visitation on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 10:30-11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas, VA 20112. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM. Immediately following, Burial with Military Honors will then take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, 6430 Token Forrest Rd., Manassas, VA 20112.

Herbert Willis Johnson

February 13, 1942 - December 14, 2023