Vince Anthony "Dooley" Johnson

Vince Anthony “Dooley” Johnson, 62, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away March 26, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the son of Randolph and Dorothy Morris Johnson.

Dooley was born on July 5, 1963, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He attended school at Amherst County High and received his GED at Potomac Job Corps in Washington, DC.

In addition to his parents, Dooley is preceded in death by his brothers Calvin “Boogie”, and Darryl Johnson, sister Alisa Johnson.

Dooley attended Evergreen Baptist church.

Dooley is survived by his wife Joyce Johnson of 10 years. His daughters Joy (Edward) Wilson, Erica (Derryl) Jones, Tara Lee. Stepsons D’santa Bradley and Dezimen Cheatwood. Grandchildren, Malachi, Sade, Tyrque, Diaminique, Kaleb, Treston, Zay, Amiyah, Aniyah, Miguel, Aliyah, Ja’kai. Sister Sharon Johnson, nephew, Mario Johnson, great nephew, Trulante Johnson and a host of other relatives.

Dooley was a laid-back man who never met a stranger and if you needed it, he would’ve given you the shirt off his back. He had a way about him that made people feel welcome, like they’d known him forever.

He was almost always smiling, especially when talking about the things he loved most: football (Dallas Cowboys), fishing, wrestling, horror and sci-fi movies. He got a kick out of them, often grinning and saying, “come to Chucky,” in a way only he could pull off. But more than anything, Dooley enjoyed riding around visiting and finding someone willing to trade a little smack talk. If you got into a back-and-forth with him, you’d better be ready—he gave as good as he got.

Dooley was a hardworking man, putting in 10–12 hour days, 6–7 days a week, and never complained. In fact, he’d tell you plain and simple: “I love working.” That was just who he was.

He was quick to jokingly, but sometimes not really joking “threaten” folks with his daughter Joy, a role he seemed to take great pride (and amusement) in. And in his younger days, when the music hit right he may show you them dance moves with the “moonwalk” being his specialty.

In the last 4–5 years, his health began to decline, but Dooley rarely complained. He wasn’t the easiest patient quite stubborn at times, independent, and determined to live life on his own terms right up to the very end. That determination showed itself in ways only Dooley could demonstrate like the time he tried to make a getaway from the nursing home in his wheelchair. When asked where he thought he was going, he simply said he wasn’t going far—just to the store for some fried chicken and to play the lottery.

That was Dooley: strong-willed, full of life, and always himself.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his work ethic, and the countless conversations—some friendly, some competitive—that made life a little more interesting for everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a reminder to live life your own way (YOLO).

A celebration of Dooley's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

The family appreciates any donations to assist with final arrangements, you may do so by clicking here

Family will receive friends other times at the residence of Joyce and Dooley.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is serving the family.