Wayne “Coby” Johnson

January 18, 1949 - September 20, 2020
Wayne “Coby” Johnson

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Wayne “Coby” Johnson 71, passed away Sunday, September 20,2020 at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.

Coby was born January 18, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio to Wayne C and Cynthia Cook Johnson who predeceased him.

Coby’s life was filled with aviation. His first flying lesson was at age 12 in Chardon, Ohio. He received a private license while studying at Kenyon College in 1970 where he studied Psychology. He joined the Air Force Reserve in November 1971 at Rickenbacker AFB, Columbus, Ohio where he flew Reserve C-123s, C-130’s and C-141s at Rickenbacker, Westover and Andrews AFB respectively. He also flew C123 and C130 missions world wide in support of 2nd Air Delivery Group in SE Asia during Vietnam and the USAF Southern Command based in Panama and Central America. In May, 1986 Coby Joined Piedmont Airlines which eventually became US Airways Airlines, retiring as a Captain in 2004. He flew B-737s,B-757s, B-767s totaling over 18000+ career flying hours. Coby was employed by The FAA before and after his airline career working in the FAA’s NY Air Carrier District Office and Eastern Region from 1979-1985 and at FAA Washington Headquarters from 2004 until his retirement in January 2016.

He is survived by his wife Mary Johnson; his son Chris Johnson, spouse Shannon, grandchildren Adam and Ryan. Daughter Courtney O’Brien, spouse Andrew, grandchildren Emma, Lillian and Abigail. Brother Jeffery Johnson, sister Suzanne Robinson and their spouses.

A Memorial to celebrate his life will be held at a future date.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 525 Village Road, Leland NC 28451
910.383.3511


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  • September 30, 2020
    Lisa and Tom Sabol says:
    We are so happy to call you and Coby friends - you made us feel so welcome when we moved into the neighborhood. Tom and I so enjoyed watching you dance at Willoughby’s and at all the neighborhood parties. We sure will miss the ultimate DJ and his playlist. We are all better for having known such a special man.

  • September 24, 2021
    Randy Navarre says:
    Our condolences for Cobys’ passing. Coby was a prominent member of a group of young aviators at Kenyon College and is fondly remembered and will be missed.

  • May 08, 2021
    Sharon Burke says:
    Dear Coby- we miss you dearly- such a short time to know you but you are forever in our hearts- will always remember your version of "Love Shack". You were a dear friend and welcomed everyone into your world. A true aviator of the heavens. love, Sharon and John

  • January 10, 2021
    Cliff & Vickie Smith says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are ever-present for Mary and the entire Johnson family. While our time knowing Coby was short from our days working together at AMTI, SAIC and the FAA. Coby was smart, funny, and caring! Well liked by everyone. He is missed everyday. Godspeed Coby!

  • November 17, 2020
    Dan Dodge says:
    Colby: Going to miss you brother. Thank you also for all your years of service as a Veteran of the US Military.