Sheldon Bruce Johnson, 66, of Blackstone, Virginia passed away Monday, August 31, 2020.

Bruce, who was born September 9, 1953 at C & O Hospital, Clifton Forge, Virginia, earned his wings on August 31, 2020.

He was preceded in death by mother, Mary Ellen Johnson and father, Robert H. Johnson, Sr. and mother-in-law, Margaret Williams.

Affectionately known as "Bruce", he resided in Blackstone, Virginia with his wife of 43 years, Barbara "Bobbi" Johnson.

Bruce was a father to nine children;: Rodney "Huggy" Davis, LaTishia Wilson (Brian), Tiffany Curtis (Josh), Julian Johnson (Rebecca), Tedra Rodriguez (Rene), Brandon Johnson (Tonya), Tanya Johnson, Roman Johnson, and Stephen Johnson. In addition, he had 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

  As a youth, Bruce was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, Virginia. He was very sociable, well-known, and admired by many.

Bruce was also a standout football player at Alleghany High School and received a football scholarship to attend Bluefield State College in Bluefield, WV, which he attended and earned a B.A. in history. He later received his M.A. in Special Education.

Following college, he served as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Marine Corps before continuing on to serve as a police officer in Iron Gate, VA. Following his years of serving the public, Bruce travelled around the western states working for TrailWays and raising his family. Bruce later returned to Virginia to raise his children closer to where he had grown up and continued his career as a successful owner of two government postal contracts. In addition, during this time he taught and coached football at Alleghany High School.

It was after returning to Virginia that Bruce recommitted his life to the Lord. It was from this point on that Bruce was an active participant in the church. Bruce never met a stranger and knew people from all over due to his travel, work, and service. He served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Deacon, and later became a Minister. During his time away from work and teaching the gospel, Bruce also served as a coordinator with the local Special Olympics and as a E.M.T and EVOC instructor with the Nottoway County Emergency Squad, from which he retired as a lifetime member. Before his passing, "Minister Bruce" was a faithful member of Reconciliation Fellowship Church in Petersburg, VA and led the prison ministry at Nottoway Correctional Center.

  Bruce was the oldest sibling of Marilyn "Paulette" Johnson, Robert "Babro" Johnson (Teresa), Jr., and Lenora "Sue" Cooper. He has five brothers-in-law;: David Brown, Eric Brown, Martin Brown, Anthony Hall, and Charles Wiliams. He is survived by two aunts, Betty St. John (Poconos, PA) and Shirley Gordon (Richmond, VA), and one uncle, William Johnson (Iron Gate, VA). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020 in Red Hill Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Virginia.

Friends may arrive at 1:30 p.m. for public viewing.

The Serenity Funeral Home, Roanoke, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.