Ronn Paul Johnson, 81, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He was born April 7, 1945, in Elmhurst, Illinois, the only son of Rayberta Townsend and Edwin Johnson and the third of their four children.

From an early age, Ronn marched to the beat of his own drum. School came easily to Ronn, and he excelled academically, but neither the traditional academic path nor the corporate world ever sparked his interest. In high school, Ronn was a driven and accomplished wrestler, earning a college scholarship through his dedication and hard work. Ronn found greater satisfaction in forging his own path, ultimately building a life of self-employment as a house painter. He took pride in his craft, believing in hard work, doing things well, and doing them his own way.Ronn brought that same spirit to fatherhood. He was a devoted father who taught his children to live fully and follow their own paths. He enjoyed reading tomes on history, gardening, camping, the beach, birdwatching, Duke basketball, travel, and, above all, time with family—especially his grandchildren. Music was a constant companion, whether playing from a boom box while he worked or experienced live with friends and family. And, to the astonishment and delight of many, Ronn loved to dance, especially in the arms of his beloved wife. 

Ronn leaves behind his partner of 20 years, wife Hope McLean; his sister, Sandra Conrad; son Otis Fugelso (Anne Lachiewicz); daughter Emily Johnson (Eric Frey); son Russell Johnson (Lizzie Chadbourne); daughter Angeline Fugelso; stepdaughter Adriane McLean; and his cherished grandchildren, Lucas, Lily, Foster, Everett, and Madison. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Janelle Johnson and Dr. Joy Brown Johnson. His family and friends will miss his presence, his stories, his perspective, and, most of all, the one-of-a-kind person he was. Ronn lived a life uniquely his own, with determination, curiosity, humor, and heart. His memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.

 Ronn will be celebrated by his family in a private ceremony at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery. Friends and neighbors are warmly invited to gather with the family at Cedar Grove Park, 1020 US Hwy 70, Hillsborough, NC, on October 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a worthy charity of your choice.

Ronn is Best.