Ralph Johnson Jr.

On November 3, 2014, Ralph P. "Parker" Johnson, Jr., 62, lost his courageous battle with cancer. Parker was the son of Ann F. Johnson and the late Ralph P. Johnson, Sr. Parker was a past member of the Colonial Heights Jaycees, Colonial Heights Kiwanis, and the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce (President). He also served many years on the Board of the Swift Creek Mill Theater, and was a past member of Ducks Unlimited. Parker was a local business owner as the third generation of Johnson's Laundry and Dry Cleaning Corp. The business was started in Petersburg by Parker's grandfather, Leonidas Johnson. Later, Leonidas' two sons, Walter E. and Ralph P. joined their father in the business. The business moved to Colonial Heights in the 1950's where Parker began working at the age of 13. While Parker semi-retired in 2007, he remained an integral component of the company's identity. Parker was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. Parker spent much of his leisure time renovating and building projects. He enjoyed the game of golf, which he didn't start playing until he was 55. Of all the fond memories of Parker, he will likely be remembered best for his art of "story telling."Besides his mother, Parker is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon B. Johnson; daughter, Stacy and husband, Jeff Bradford; grandson, Cade Bradford; and step grandchildren, Jacob and Keri Bradford all of Colonial Heights; brother, Sidney B. Johnson; and nephew, Camden B. Johnson of Prince George. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Malkin, Nurse Practitioner, Dana Blake and their team at MCV/VCU for the loving care our family was shown throughout Parker's illness. Also the family would like to thank Crater Community Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Colonial Heights Baptist Church, 17201 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834, with the Reverend Ronald West officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will be private. A reception will follow the service at the Petersburg Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VCU Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0214 or to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.