Former Nashville business owner Vernon Steve Johnson passed away last week at his home in Zebulon.

Johnson, 71 ,owned and operated J&J Apparel in Nashville. The store recently closed and Johnson worked there until January of this year.

Johnson’s business was in clothing. He opened Nash Garment Company in 1955, Bailey Garment Company in 1957, Wake Garment Company in 1963, Johnson and Johnson Apparel in 1967 and Quality Textiles in 1971.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 45 years, Christie Finch Johnson, two daughters; Bonnie Green Johnson and husband, Steve of Virginia Beach and Vicki L. Johnson of Los Angeles. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Mae Belle Finch of Bailey.