David Allen Johnson

David Allen Johnson, 81, of rural New Castle passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the home he cared so much for surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 13, 1944 in New Castle to the late James Bassett and Matilda (Muse) Johnson.

Dave proudly graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1962, a moment that marked the beginning of a life defined by service and hard work. After graduation, he answered the call of duty, first serving in the U.S. Army in Korea and later joining the Air Force Reserves. Over the decades he drove a truck for American Oil Company, International Harvester, UPS, Captain of the Reserves for the Henry County Sheriff’s Dept. and Marshall for the Town of Cadiz. He built a 44‑year career with Duke Energy, retiring in 2002. Whether a hurricane, ice storm or blizzard rolled through, Dave was one of the first on the scene, not for the paycheck but for the people who needed power restored; his natural instinct to help made him a trusted neighbor, a steady hand in crisis, and a beloved figure wherever a disaster struck.

Dave was a jack‑of‑all‑trades and a beloved teacher at home. He could fix anything! He passed his know‑how on to his sons and grandchildren with a grin and his trademark joke, “Let me teach you what I learned in the Orient.” He had a great sense of humor and loved fishing, especially his yearly fishing trips to Canada for the last 44 years. He enjoyed teaching his sons and grandkids the art of fishing and was an avid craftsman and woodworker.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cecely Mae Johnson; sons, Marc D. Johnson and Michael D. (Diane C.) Johnson; grandchildren, Makayla Johnson, Carlie L. (Jason) Sneed, Seth Johnson, Cameron (Ben) Smith, James D. and Kaytlinn Johnson; four great-grandchildren; Jonah B. Sneed, Lydian, Viola and Harmony Smith; a sister, Mary Justice; close friends he considered family, Nora (Steve) Rust, their children, Nick Rust and Rachel Johnisee and their families; many special neighbors and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene (Oma) Johnson and Rev. James Robert (Lorene) Johnson and a brother-in-law, Rev. Charles Justice.

Services will be at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel with his nephews Chuck and Brian Justice officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by contingents from the U.S. Army and Knightstown American Legion. You may express condolences or share a memory of Dave at www.hinsey-brown.com.