Cory Johnson

Lt. Cmdr Cory Paul Johnson, 43, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, February 28, 2014.

Cory was a native of Grand Marais, Minnesota and a resident of Poquoson since 1993. After enlisting in the Navy at 18, he tested and was found highly qualified for the Navy's Nuclear Power School in Ballston Spa New York. The Navy awarded Cory scholarships and he earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State and his Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from Duke University. He attended Officers Training School in Pensacola, FL., where he was commissioned a Naval Officer in 1998. He served on several nuclear power vessels, participated in several mid-east cruises, and was a "Plank Owner" on the USS George Washington.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Frank and Doris Foster of Grand Marais, MN.

He is survived by his loving wife Kelli Gutherie Johnson; sons, Corbin Johnson, Alex Johnson; and stepson, Jason Petry. Also left to cherish his memory, parents, Bonnie and George Johnson of Grand Marais, Minnesota; step-parents, Bobbe and Marty Clark of Duluth, Minnesota; sisters, Laurie Schiller, Randi Kimball and husband Kevin, Julie Hannahs, Sheryl Toland and husband Ron and Jeannie Johnson; brothers, Darrell Johnson, Ray Johnson, Charles Nylund and Michael Johnson and wife Debbie; his former spouse and mother of Corbin, Charmaine Joyner Johnson. In addition to his family, Cory was blessed with many friends too numerous to name.

Cory had a great love of music which he shared with Corbin in his musical interests and many others. He formed and performed in a local band "The Bru Houndz". For many hours Cory, Corbin, and their musician "buds" jammed in his man cave/studio. Cory was a dear and generous friend to many in addition to being a well educated and professional naval officer. In his short life he touched many hearts with his easy smile and manner. He will be dearly missed and long remembered by many.

The family will receive friends Sunday, March 9, 6-8:00 pm at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson. A celebration of Cory's life will be held on Monday, March 10, at 4:00 pm at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 831 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, by Rev. Barry Throckmorton, with military honors. An additional service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 22, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to favorite charities of your choice. Join others in leaving remembrances on a special facebook page titled "In Loving Memory of Cory Johnson" set up by his "best bud" Bill Sargent.