Johnny Van Dark

Johnny Van Dark was born on August 7, 1962, the only child of the late Sylbia Jean Dark and Percy "Sonny" Dark. Johnny was an intelligent kid with a voracious appetite for knowledge. He loved learning how things worked by tearing them apart and putting them back together again. He could accomplish anything he set out to do, and if he couldn't, he would keep trying until he found a way. He served in the US Navy from 1982 to 1986, traveling the world and meeting all kinds of new people. Though he was proud of his service, like many veterans he always celebrated the day he left, vowing that he would never have another bad day. And he didn't- not even when various companies he worked for left him in the dust, or when people tried to hoodwink him, or even when he was diagnosed with cancer on his only daughter's birthday. He always fought to see the silver lining with a smile on his face and a mission to help others smile In 1992 he married the true love of his life Carol Pearce Dark, with whom he hand-built a beautiful home and a successful trucking business with a single truck alongside raising their only daughter, Caitlyn Grace Dark. Through his own brand of strength, patience, and humility, Johnny provided for his family and worked to build professional relationships not just with business partners but with friends. But his true dedication was to his family and those he loved, working grueling 14-hour days but still always having a smile, a hug or a handshake, and a funny story about something that happened to him on the road. Leaving behind a legacy of 30 years of being a loving husband, 23 years of being a wonderful father, and 58 years of being a beautiful, curious, and dedicated human being, Johnny passed away in his home surrounded by family on March 19, 2021. He is survived by his wife and daughter, Carol and Caitlyn Dark, and his father, Percy Dark. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 3:00-5:00 PM with a memorial service following at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Ave., Siler City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123. Smith & Buckner is assisting the Dark family. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com