Johnson, Paul Reno, Sr. (Age 66) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Paul Reno Johnson, Sr. was born October 25, 1944 to the late Mary Margie Johnson Gough and the late James L. Johnson in Hermansville, St. Mary's County, Maryland. He was nurtured and lovingly raised by the late William Thomas Gough. Paul quietly departed this life on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Reno, as he was affectionately called, grew up and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Lexington Park, Maryland, June 1964. Reno attended Coppin State College in Baltimore, Maryland, where he received his certificate of completion for auto mechanics and was offered a position with Ford Motor Company.

Reno and Marva were united in holy matrimony March 20, 1965 in Baltimore, Maryland. Their marriage was blessed at St. Bernadine Church, Suitland, Maryland in 1972. Through this union together they raised and nurtured Darrin, Renee', Paul, Jr. (who preceded him in death) Larry and Ursula.

As an entrepreneur, Reno started his first business hauling asphalt with the dump truck he purchased from a neighbor to pave roads in Charles County and other areas in Maryland. He was employed for a short time as an ammunition truck driver at the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, Maryland. Reno worked as a diesel mechanic for several years with D.C. Transit Bus Company in Washington, DC. Reno set high expectations for himself and his family, always saying he wanted to be his own "boss" and he achieved that goal.
Reno owned and operated Wheeler Road Shell, Oxon Hill, Maryland for almost twenty years and Nanny Helen Burroughs Service Station for almost eight years, where he enjoyed serving the community. Reno was always giving to and caring for his family and friends. Reno was there to give a kind word, plenty of advice, sharing many experiences and lots of love.

Reno reluctantly retired from his last business, J&J Trucking Company due to his illness and was always discussing his desire to open and operate another small business. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping, talking about old times, dancing, fishing, riding horses and listening to music. Reno would "jam" with his old records and tapes even when he couldn't get up to shake his "groove thing."

Reno overcame many health challenges at home after his stay in the hospital and talked extensively with his granddaughters, Abby, Shanel and Robbin (Baby Girl) who helped him recover and begin to enjoy life again.

In addition to his mother, Mary Margie Johnson Gough, his dad, William Thomas Gough and his son, Paul R. Johnson, Jr., he was preceded in death by his brother, James L. Johnson, his aunt, Frances C. Dorsey and his uncle, James H. Whalen.

Reno leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Marva, his son, Darrin of Jacksonville, Florida, his daughter, Renee' Balogun of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, his son, Lawrence Johnson (Larry) and Katrice Turner of Hyattsville, Maryland, his daughter, Ursula King of Clinton, Maryland, two brothers, John C. Johnson and Joseph B. Johnson, sister-in-law, Mary Ann Johnson, two sisters, Doris E. Johnson and Juanita Gough; a very special cousin, Robert S. Bennett, a very special aunt, Viola Whalen, eleven grandchildren, a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many other relatives.

His Viewing will be held on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 10:00am until time of Service, 11:00am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.
Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.