Samuel Zachary Johnson, age 24 died Friday December 30 due to a tragic motorcycle accident. He was born June 23, 1987, in Raleigh to Dr. Joy M. Johnson and John W. Johnson, Sr.

He attended Brooks Elementary, Daniels Middle, and was in the Broughton High School Class of 2005 where he developed many lasting friendships. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army and after assignment to Fort Benning for Basic, Airborne, and Ranger training, he was assigned to the 1/508th 82nd Airborne Div at Fort Bragg and served a 15 month deployment in Afghanistan 2007-2008. He transferred to the1/505th and served a 12month deployment in Iraq 2008-2009. He developed a special bond with his fellow paratroopers that only they understand. Upon his discharge from service, he enrolled at UNC Chapel Hill in the spring of 2010.

He is survived by his parents, Joy M. Johnson, MD and John W. Johnson., Sr., older brother, Wiley all of Raleigh; aunts Francine J. Starnes, Marie M. Johnson and Janice G. Johnson, all of Cameron, NC and his aunts and uncles Clay and Jan Mooring of Raleigh , Tom and Carol Mooring of Berwyn Hts. MD , Judy and Ron Brune of Greenville, SC and uncle Tim Mooring of Texas; great aunt Ruby Stewart of Bunnlevel, NC along with his nieces and nephews that he so cherished: Angie Mooring, Kathryn and Dayton Brune, and James and Ryan Mooring and his loving cousins, Ryan, Reid, Patricia, Meredith, Kevin, Don, Annette, Andrew, Lisa, Melody, Gay, and Ben.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 3, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 2 PM at the Cameron Cemetery, North Carthage Street, Cameron, NC 28326. The family will receive friends following the service at the Cameron Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Flowers are welcome. Memorials may be considered to the NC School for the Blind or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories can be shared atL:

www.BrownWynne.com.