'He was a leader': Harnett County deputy killed in crash had 4 children

Sky 5 flew overhead Thursday as the body of Chris Johnson, a Harnett County deputy killed in a crash, was escorted from Betsy Johnson Hospital to Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home in Clinton.

Johnson was killed Tuesday after he hit a tractor-trailer on Darroch Road near N.C. Highway 210 in Harnett County. Johnson leaves behind a wife and four children ranging in age from 11 to 25.

WRAL News on Thursday spoke with Johnson's brother, who attended the processional. He said his brother always had dreams and aspirations of serving, adding he died doing what he loved.

Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton stood with his hand over his heart in downtown Clinton Thursday as dozens of blue lights passed in the processional for Johnson.

Thornton, who worked with Johnson 16 years at the Sampson County Sheriffs Office, described the deputy as a dedicated law enforcement officer with more than 25 years of service, including his time as a school resource officer at Highland Middle School in Sanford.

"I can't help but think, when he left home, his family didn't realize he wasn't going to come home," Thornton said. "Chris truly protected and served people in our county and children in Harnett County -- he was a leader."

The processional started at Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn, traveling 40 miles and passing Midway High School, which one of Johnson's children attends.

Hundreds of Midway students and staff lined the rural roadway to pay their respects. As the processional made its way into Clinton, a massive American flag greeted the convoy on U.S. 421.

Dozens of children, families and onlookers gathered in honor of Johnson, who grew up in Clinton.

The small crowd lined the streets of downtown Clinton as the hearse came to a stop at the funeral home where dozens of law enforcement officers gathered in prayer.

"It's a sad time ... I want to pay some respect to the family, and to him, thanking for his service," one onlooker said.

Governor Roy Cooper on Thursday ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Friday in honor of Johnson. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff.

"I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of Harnett County Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson," said Gov. Roy Cooper in a statement. "Deputy Sheriff Johnson served the state and his community with distinction and honor, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

A memorial service for Johnson will take place on Tuesday at Central Baptist Church on Plain View Highway in Dunn.