Robert William (Bob) Johnson, left this world for a new hunting ground Friday, December 14, 2012, at the Golden Living Center in Buena Vista, with his wife, Christine Hickman Johnson, by his side.

Born in Buchanan, Va. to Charles Johnson and Hallie Markham Johnson on April 8, 1923, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth White Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Gayle Johnson Hickman (Roy), of Woodstock, Ga. and Marilyn Johnson Dudley (George), of Collierstown; grandsons, Geoffrey Dudley (Ashley), of Buena Vista and Gregory Dudley (Cheyenne), of Collierstown; stepdaughter, Jane Hickman Burch (Jesse), of Aylett; stepgrandchildren, Jeff Burch (Julie), Ryan Burch (Crystal) and Brett Burch, of the Richmond area, Beth Shifflett (Gary), of Staunton, Amy Knott (John), of Dayton Va.; great-grandchildren, Claire Dudley and Bentley Patton; step great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jori, Jaycee, Camden, Addison and Casey Burch and Heather and Ashley Knotts; step great-great-grandchild, Aaron Burch.

Bob joined the U.S. Army during World War II and landed during the D-Day invasion and froze his feet at the Battle of the Bulge.

Bob was deployed with the 552nd Military Police Escort Battalion. He returned home to Buchanan and started work at James Lee's Carpets, retiring after 43 years of service.

He met his first wife, Ruth White at the plant, married on November 11, 1949 and moved to Collierstown where his wife's family farm was located. Bob joined Collierstown Presbyterian Church in 1950 where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Treasurer. His wife, Ruth, passed away in 1972.

Bob was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman and farmer. His passion for turkey hunting was something he was very proud of and very good at. He loved to tell people stories about his hunting and wartime experiences to anybody who wanted to hear. Bob had an opportunity to take someone under his wing, Junior "Red" Painter, who had lost his father as a teenager. Bob and "Red," spent many special times in the woods and streams of Rockbridge County. Red was considered the son Bob never had.

Bob married Christine Rowsey Hickman on April 21, 1984, and resided in Buena Vista until his death. They participated in the 552nd MPE Reunions for many years until 2010.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Skip Hastings officiating. Burial will follow at Oxford Presbyterian Cemetery, with military honors. A meal and social will follow at Collierstown Presbyterian Church. Friends may gather with the family for one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Collierstown Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.