Thomas Ray Johnson “The Mayor”, 70, of Nebo, died July 10 at his home. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late James Gilmer and Faye Pace. He was a truck driver and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Thomas is survived by his wife, Martha Sansing Johnson of the home; sons Jim Johnson of Spruce Pine and Chris Johnson of Newton; step children Ronnie Cline, Shane Cline and Christal Whitworth of Nebo; eighteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren; sisters Doris Bradley of Forest City and Barbara Harris of Old Fort; brothers Jont Gilmer of Weaverville and Roy Johnson of Jupiter, FL. Funeral services will be held 6PM Saturday, July 13 at Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Painter and Rev. Rodney Franklin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of McDowell County, 575 Airport Road, Marion, NC 28752.