Ralph Maurice Johnson

Ralph was born in Richmond, Virginia in the Randolph neighborhood on May 25,1936 to the late David Anderson Johnson, Sr. and the late Elnora Brown Johnson. He was the seventh child of ten, eight of whom preceded him in death: David A. Johnson, Jr.(Jean), Goldie Pride, Doris, Ronald, Sherli Ammons, Elnora King, Miriam, and Malcolm(Leslie). He is survived by his youngest brother, Edwin, of Oakland, California. Ralph and his siblings were reared in Second Baptist Church. He attended Richmond Public Schools including Armstrong High School and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1955. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1963. Ralph retired after 30 years of service as a surgical photographer for the Medical College of Virginia and as a forensic photographer for the Virginia Department of Forensic Science in Richmond. In addition to Ralph’s interest in the arts, drawing and calligraphy, music dominated his life. As an avid audiophile, he installed a professionally designed sound system and accumulated a vast collection of classical, sacred, and choral music. Ralph’s rich tenor voice was heard in numerous community choirs, including Second Baptist Church, The Harry Savage Chorale, The Monroe Chorus, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Garland Avenue Baptist Church, and Bon Air Baptist Church. His other greatest interest in life became his focus on health and nutrition. He was widely renowned for his herbal and nutritional wisdom which he readily shared with everyone he met. He leaves surviving nieces and nephews: David III, Michael, Maria Robinson, Yolande Scott, Ronald, Jr.(Renée), Roderick, Judith Craighead(Princess), Rita, and Malcolm, Jr.; devoted friends Jean Diamond and Debra Mashore, Grace and Lisa Townes, and countless extended family and friends. Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue. Memorial services private.