Oscar Eugene Johnson, 82, fondly called Gene or O.E., passed away at home on Monday, January 4th surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born on October 22, 1938 in Huntersville, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thetus Webster and Oscar Eugene Johnson, Sr.; brother, Johnny; and sister, Carolyn.   Gene was a devoted husband, loving dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by the love of his life for 54 years, Vivian; sons, Dwayne and Danny Johnson (Tina) and stepson, Steve Norwood (Marlena); grandchildren, Sarah Johnson, Rachel Baker (Seth), Nicole Johnson, and Stephen Norwood (Sherri); and great-grandchildren, Tiffani Patterson, Madalynn, Matthew, and Masyn Baker, Kayden White, Almina Gatitskiy, and Gunnar Roupas. He is also survived by three sisters, Evelyn, Patricia, and Frances.   Gene was a truck driver for Merita Bread Company for 33 years. After he retired from his career of driving an 18-wheeler, he continued his love of driving by "driving Mrs. Vivian." He loved watching Nascar and truck racing on TV and going to local automobile and go kart dirt track races. The most important thing to him was spending time with his family. When Gene married Vivian on April 9, 1966 her family became family to him also and they loved him very much.    Gene was a sweet and kind man. He made friends and family laugh. He never met a stranger, especially at his favorite hangouts, Bojangles, Waffle House, and Wal-Mart. Gene was very thankful for the wonderful care given to him from Vivian, Danny, Dwayne, Rachel, and Sarah and for the support from his family and friends during his illness. He left his family and friends with many wonderful memories.   Gene knew and loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed but we know, by faith, that we will see him again.   We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.   2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV