Johnny Ray Webb

Johnny Ray Webb, 68, of Madison, passed away on January 11, 2025, at Charleston Memorial Hospital, Charleston, WV after a brief, fierce battle with cancer. Johnny was the son of the late Quincy and Fairy (Jarrell) Webb and a lifelong resident of Boone County. He was a 1974 graduate of Scott High School and received multiple welding certifications at Boone Career and Technical Center after graduation. He was a retired miner for Bethlehem Steel with over 24 years of experience and a member of UMWA, LU 633. He was an accomplished, highly sought after motorcycle/ATV mechanic who worked for several local dealerships. He went on to co-own his own motorcycle repair shop and later became the powersports instructor at Boone Career and Technical Center.

He fell in love with dirt bikes and motorcycles at a young age. He built his first hillclimber from a street bike and in his 20s captured many “top time” trophies locally. In 1982 he earned 7th place in the National Hillclimb Championships in Berkshire, MA. He loved to fish and reminisced often about fishing with his dad when he was young. He was a lover of animals and had many pets over the years from his first dog, Jack, to his newest buddy, Otis. Johnny loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his three grandsons who called him “Poppy.” 

Johnny is survived by his wife of 9 years, Paula; stepson, Dale Holstein of Charleston, WV; stepdaughter, Rachel (Ricky) Smith of Danville, WV; sister, Betty Jo Dickson, of Madison, WV; three grandsons, Tyson James Smith, Henry Owen Smith, and Waylon Scott Smith; mother-in-law Joyce Ann Herald; one nephew, Jamie (Tammy) Robertson; one niece, Inga (David) Havey; great-nephews, Justin (Audrey) Havey, Travis (Aleksus) Havey, Joshua (Raeanne) Havey and son Leo, Braden Robertson, and Peyton Robertson; great-niece, Kristen Jones and daughter Maylie. He is also survived by special friends Bobby Dickson, Keith Casto, Woody Dolin and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends. 

Special thanks to Dr. Chris Flanagan at Boone Memorial Hospital who recognized the extent of Johnny’s illness and took quick action to relieve his pain and get him the care he needed. Our heartfelt appreciation to the staff of 5-South, Memorial, for their compassionate care and thoughtfulness to Johnny and our family throughout his hospitalization. 

A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place on Sat. Jan. 25, 2025, from 12 – 2pm at Southern WV Community & Technical College, Foster, WV. A private graveside service will follow at Memory Gardens, Danville, WV with preacher Kenneth Mitchell officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Johnny’s memory to the charity of your choosing.