Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the news that The Right Reverend Robert (Bob) Hodges Johnson, the fifth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, passed away late last night, October 7, 2025, at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. 

Bishop Johnson was born on October 1, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, the son of William Weakley Johnson and Marjorie Philips. He served his country with honor, in the United States Army between 1957 and 1960. He married the love of his life, Julie, in August of 1962, and they just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Bob and Julie have two children, Robert Jr. and Katherine. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, and a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South and the Virginia Theological Seminary, respectively.

Bishop Bob, as he was affectionately known in the diocese, was ordained to the diaconate in 1963 and to the priesthood in 1964. He served in congregations in Florida and Atlanta before being consecrated as bishop in the Diocese of Western North Carolina on March 11, 1989.

During his time as bishop, Bob was a champion of youth, Latino/Hispanic and racial reconciliation ministries. He was instrumental in hiring the first full-time missioner for Youth and Young Adults, the creation of Latino Hispanic Ministry at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville, NC, and working with lay and clergy leaders in the diocese to establish the Commission to Dismantle Racism, now known as the Beloved Community Committee. 

Furthermore, Bishop Bob intentionally initiated conversation with clergy in the early 1990s on human sexuality and the inclusion of LBTQ+ persons in the Christian community. These conversations led the diocese to send representatives and participate in the larger Episcopal Church dialogue on human sexuality. By the mid 1990s, under Bishop Bob's guidance, a handful of parishes began blessing same sex unions.

Significantly, Bishop Bob also shepherded the process to find a new home for Camp Henry, our summer camp for children and youth. Under his leadership, the diocese moved both camp and conference center space from In the Oaks, Black Mountain, to Lake Logan, Canton. He was deeply passionate about preserving the natural grace and beauty most of us now enjoy at Lake Logan as well as sustaining a place our young people can encounter God our Creator. 

After his retirement in 2004, Bishop Bob served as interim bishop of Southern Virginia in 2006, and was named assisting bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2008.

Passionate about Jesus and the church, Bishop Bob’s smile could light up a room. He was known for being a compassionate leader who cared deeply for the clergy and laity of the diocese. 

Personally, he was a mentor and friend. His counsel, care and encouragement has been invaluable to me during my time as bishop and I am deeply grateful that he considered me “his” bishop. I will miss the love and joy he brought to my life and to all those around him, especially those big smiles. 

Funeral plans will be announced when finalized. 

I ask that you keep Julie, Rob, Katherine, and the entire Johnson family in your prayers. 

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your

servant Bob. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of

your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your

own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy,

into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the

glorious company of the saints in light. Amen

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin

Bishop