FRANKLINTON - R. J. Journigan, 83, of Franklinton, passed away to be with Christ on Saturday, April 4th, 2015, peacefully at home surrounded by loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
R. J. was born on November 2, 1931 to the late Early Hill and Grace Journigan, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sisters Aileen Denton, Marileen Joyner, Marie Horton, Betty Jean Collier, and one brother, James Journigan. R. J. is survived by his loving, faithful wife of 49 years, Joyce B. Journigan; daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Rob Stallings of Pilot; Tanya and John Pierce of Winston-Salem; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Brandie Journigan of Franklinton, as well as one brother, Early Hill Journigan, Jr. R. J. is survived by seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly; Emily, William and John Michael Stallings; Evelyn and Charis Pierce; and Shawn Thomas and Christian Journigan.
R. J. became a Christian at the age of 20 and served God most of his life at Perry's Chapel Baptist Church as a deacon and faithful member supporting the work of the church. R. J. taught his family to follow God by putting Him first in all things. We are grateful for a father who taught us to seek God's guidance and praise Him. He was an Army Veteran, and in his community, R. J. was a member of Mitchiner's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department where he served faithfully for several years.
R. J.'s passion was developing a successful farming operation which he enjoyed most of his life and shared that joy with others. While farming with his wife, children, and brother, R. J. modeled important work ethics such as honesty, sense of pride in your work, diligence and completing any work to the best of your ability. R. J. shared his passions of farming and family through his favorite pastime of talking with others. He was always willing to talk to anyone at any time. R. J. said, "It never cost you anything to know someone." Through farming he provided in many ways for his family and friends. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and cherishing every moment he had with them.
Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude for care provided by Dr. Warren Blackburn, Dr. James Hathorn of Regional Cancer Care, David Mark Waters of Duke Palliative Care, Dr. Grace Kim of Duke Medicine, Duke Home Care and Hospice R. J.'s most faithful and loving care giver was his wife, Joyce, whom he loved so much.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Perry's Chapel Baptist Church, 854 Perry's Chapel Baptist Church Road, Franklinton, NC 27525. The family will receive friends 7 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7th, at Strickland Funeral Home and Crematory, Louisburg, N.C. The funeral service will be held at Perry's Chapel Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 8th, at 11:00 a.m.. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
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