Randy Lynn Johnson

Randy Lynn Johnson, age 68, of Siler City, died Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Duke University Hospital after a prolonged illness.

Randy was a born-again Christian and devoted his life to serving his Lord and Savior. He found peace and joy in nature, especially in watching the hummingbirds gather outside on his patio. Randy had a fascination with clocks and loved to collect and display them in his home. Music was his passion, but service to others was his gift. Randy joyfully and diligently served the Lord through his service to others.

He was a native of Chatham County, a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Siler City, and a beloved music educator and church musician. Randy graduated cum laude from Elon College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and earned a Master of Education degree from UNC-Greensboro. He also held Associate degrees from Central Carolina Community College in Applied Science in Mechanical Drafting and Design and in Vocational Instruction.

A lifelong musician, Randy began piano lessons in 1964 and organ lessons in 1968, continuing through 1979. He had taught private piano and organ lessons since 1978. His teaching career began in 1979 in Chatham County Schools, where he taught Elementary Music K–8 and Choral Music for grades 7–8 at Bennett, J.S. Waters, and Bonlee. He also worked with the Chatham Central Concert Choir alongside Polly Yow. In 1994, he became Assistant Principal at Bonlee, and from 1995–1999 he was Assistant Principal at Siler City Elementary. From 1999–2006 he served as Principal. Randy also served as Music Director at Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church from 2007–2013 and had been the church’s pianist and organist since 1968.

Randy had served as Music Director at First Baptist Church of Siler City since May 2, 2014, faithfully leading worship and sharing his love of music with the congregation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman L. Johnson and Betty Minnis Johnson, and his sister, Jeanette Johnson West.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his brother, Kenneth Johnson (Cathy) of Siler City; brother-in-law, Bruce West of Siler City; nephews Kent Johnson, Matthew Johnson, and Andrew Johnson (Jamie); niece Kristie Tyer (Scott); grand-nieces Chloey Johnson, Logan Johnson, Cadence Johnson, Rylee Johnson, and Megan Randall (Angelique); and grand-nephew Jonathan Randall.

Randy will lie in repose at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Siler City, 314 North Second Avenue, Siler City. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Dr. Jerry Foley and Dr. Allen Admire officiating. A graveside service will be held immediately after at Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Randy Lynn Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Randy Lynn Johnson Memorial Music Scholarship Fund is being set up in Randy's honor. Details will be forthcoming. 

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Johnson family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com