Rufus Franklin Johnson of Forest City NC was born January 19, 1956. He departed for eternal glory on February 23, 2014 at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Rufus was preceded in death by his father Leroy Johnson, mother Mae Pearl Metts Johnson and brother Jimmy Johnson. He joined New Bethel at an early age. In 1989 he received his call into ministry and was a local minister until his death. He was also an original member of the All Male Chorus. He was a 1974 graduate of East Rutherford High School and was the owner and operator of RJ’s Kar Kleen. Rufus was often solicited to give a rendition of the MLK Speech in various places in the county. He loved the performing arts of the Rutherford County Arts Council and Isothermal Community College. He was a man of few words but full of wisdom. He leaves fond memories in the heart of his best friend - his wife of 39 years Debbie Miller Johnson, one daughter Elizabeth Sowell and her husband Anthony; three sons Christopher Johnson and his wife Dawn, Jason Johnson and Jordon Johnson, three grandchildren – Eriona, J’Myus and Braelin; three brothers James Johnson, Hoyle Johnson and Alfred Johnson;three sisters Cora Washington, Mary Allen and Marjorie Howard of Chicago, IL;, one aunt Carrie Free, five sister-in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be held 2:30 PM Thursday February 27, 2014 at New Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church with visitation to follow. The family wishes to thank all of you for your acts of love and kindness during this time of bereavement. You have shown it through your prayers, visits and gifts