W. Frank Johnson, longtime EPC Ruling Elder, died August 2 following a lengthy illness. He was 80. He served as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the East from 1996 until his retirement in 2004, and at the time of his death was an elder for First Presbyterian Church in Salem, N.J.

Johnson played a significant role in the early years of the EPC at the local, regional, and national levels. In addition to serving the Presbytery of the East, he was on the original steering committee as the denomination formed, and served two terms on the Committee on Administration in the EPC’s first years.

A U.S. Army veteran, he earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Tennessee and had a successful career as an educator. He was the Director of School Facilities for the New Jersey Department of Education, and wrote countless educational specifications for new school buildings throughout New Jersey and surrounding states.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Wendy; daughter, Rebecca Thomas of Lancaster, Pa.; son, Thomas Johnson of Woodbridge, Va.; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, at First Presbyterian Church of Salem. Click here for more information.