Dana E. “Buddy” Johnson Jr.

Dana E. “Buddy” Johnson Jr., 75, passed away on May 31, 2026 at the family farm in Flatwoods, WV after doing what he loved best, farming with his family. A lifelong steward of the land, Buddy leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a deep love for the land he farmed, and devotion to his family and the community he called home.

He was born December 13, 1950, the youngest of ten, on the family farm to the late Dana Everett Johnson and Edith Pearl (Woods) Johnson. From an early age, he developed a profound appreciation for agriculture. He proudly tended to his family farm his entire life, working tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, just as his father did. To him, farming was more than just an occupation; it was a way of life, a calling, and a way to provide to his family and his fellow man. His hands, though weathered by decades of working the fields, building and mending fence, caring for livestock and fixing farm machinery, were always ready to help a neighbor in need.

Beyond the farm, Buddy was a pillar of the community. He was a dedicated member of the Braxton County Farm Bureau, volunteer for the Braxton County 4-H, a West Virginia 4-H All-Star, member of the Sutton Moose Lodge, and a loyal volunteer to Flatwoods Elementary School, where he loved to make apple butter, and serve as the resident Santa Claus at Christmas where he earned the title “Buddy Ho Ho.” Known for his humor, love of people, ability to be the life of the party and booming laugh, he was always ready to share a story and talk about his family. He never met a stranger. Buddy was an unapologetic socialite. He enjoyed attending ball games, watching and cheering on WVU football, going to dinners and festivals. When he wasn’t busy, he loved going to the livestock market, ballgames, working on projects and farming with his brother Mike. Above all, he loved his family. He took great pride in passing down his values, work ethic, and love of the land to his children.

In 1985, Buddy married the love of his life, Kristy Dukas, and they enjoyed building a life, home, and family on the farmstead on Stone Run until her passing in 2005. Buddy was exceptionally proud of the children that he and Kristy raised and told anyone and everyone about them, their education, and their accomplishments. He was a devoted and caring father that followed them wherever life took them and was there to cheer them on, beaming with pride. He enjoyed spending time with them on the farm, working side by side, as they did in the hayfield just hours before his passing.

Before retiring to farm full-time, Buddy served as a draftee in the United States Army, 2nd Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, working as a telephone lineman and Officer’s Club Bouncer along the DMZ in South Korea. He was exceptionally proud of his country and his service to protect our freedoms, even at a time when it was not popular to do so. After honorable discharge, Buddy served in the WV National Guard and later retired after 35 years as a heavy equipment operator with the WV Division of Highways. Buddy enjoyed sharing the traditions of his youth with friends and family. He was an avid gardener, loved to can and preserve his harvest, make apple butter and more recently, took up his mother’s love of making pies and desserts to share at picnics and his beloved poker nights with family.

He is survived by his children, Dr. Edith J. Johnson, DVM, and Dylan D. Johnson of Flatwoods. In addition, he is survived by his brothers, Harold “Mike” Johnson, wife Linda, Thomas Johnson, wife Jeanette, and Larry Johnson. He also leaves over fifty nieces and nephews who will greatly miss their “Uncle Buddy.” Buddy also leaves behind a special nephew, who he thought of as a son, Bobby James, special cousin, Linda Brown, who was like his sister, and “special brother” since childhood, Bob Davis. He will be greatly missed by his fur-grandbabies, Wally and Garl who loved the rides they shared with their “Grumpie.”

In addition to his parents and wife, Buddy was preceded in death by his sisters, Joann James, Shirley Cogar, Greta Uldrich, brothers, Robert Wade Johnson, Bill Johnson, John Johnson and nephews, Robert Johnson and Scott Johnson.

A visitation for his many friends and family will be held at Roach Funeral Home on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. After one last trip to the farm, a graveside service with military rites will be held at the Flatwoods Cemetery on Sunday June 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Ray Teets officiating. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kristy A. Johnson Memorial Education Scholarship Fund, in care of City National Bank, 3859 Sutton Lane, Sutton, WV 26601.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.