House of Raeford Farms is saddened to announce today the death of Marvin Johnson, Chairman of the Board Emeritus, former CEO, and founder. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home early this morning at the age of 89.
Marvin Johnson was a poultry industry pioneer who got his start on the streets of downtown Rose Hill, North Carolina, selling live turkeys grown in his own backyard. This venture led Marvin and his brother, Bizzell, to the local Sears where they purchased their first incubator and a few turkey eggs.
After serving overseas during World War II as a Merchant Marine, Marvin returned to Rose Hill to join his father and brother in building the town’s first feed mill in 1955. The feed mill led the Johnson family to expand their business, adding a chicken hatchery, and obtaining ownership interest in Rose Hill Poultry and Raeford Turkey Farms in Raeford, N.C.
In just a few short years, the family became the sole owners of Rose Hill Poultry, Raeford Turkey Farms became House of Raeford, and the two were joined together as House of Raeford Farms, Inc. under the leadership of the Johnson family. Marvin even paved the way for turkey to become a marketable product throughout the year rather than just during the holidays. House of Raeford was the first to process turkeys year-round, and invented the retail deli turkey breast and whole cooked turkey, among many other products.
Under his leadership, House of Raeford Farms grew from a modest family farm into a world-class, family-owned enterprise, rooted in deep family values. Today, the company is among the top 10 chicken producers in the country, and one of the largest family-owned businesses in North Carolina. House of Raeford currently has operations in Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina, employing more than 5,500.
Marvin served as president of the National Turkey Federation, N.C. Poultry Federation, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and the N.C. State Wolfpack Club. He was inducted into the N.C. Poultry Hall of Fame in 1996, and honored with a lifetime achievement award from the National Poultry & Food Distributors Association in 2007. Marvin was named Chairman of the Board Emeritus of House of Raeford Farms in 2010 as he moved away from day-to-day operations with his son, Bob, at the helm.
Marvin Johnson had a tremendous impact on the industry and his community. He will be remembered as a visionary entrepreneur, a community leader, and a dedicated family man whose wit and humor will never be forgotten.
Source: House of Raeford Farms
