Edward Frederick Tage Johnson

Preceded in death by his father, Edward Oscar Johnson; his mother, Sonja Mellstrom Johnson; and his sister, Beatrice Johnson Siee.

Born of first-generation American parents, Ed’s family immigrated from Sweden and Norway through Ellis Island, New York and settled in the greater New York City area. Ed and his sister, Beatrice, grew up on New York’s Long Island near the Long Island Sound, where Ed learned to sail. Ed graduated from Northport High School. With a passion for flying and aeronautics, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. It was the height of the Cold War. Ed was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and Washington, D.C. While stationed at Andrews Airforce Base, Ed took part in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Inaugural Parade and was selected as part of the White House honor guard.

Ed’s time in the military led him to Fairchild Aircraft and back to New York. Recognizing Ed’s strong work ethic, business acumen and experience in aeronautics, Fairchild soon offered Ed an opportunity to relocate to Winston-Salem, NC.

The move to North Carolina would have a tremendous impact on Ed’s life. From aeronautics, Ed moved to textiles and Hanes Knitwear. Working during the day and attending the University of North Carolina-Greensboro at night, Ed completed his undergraduate degree and earned an MBA. He also quickly moved into executive positions at Hanes, eventually overseeing the company’s global sourcing. In this position Ed traveled around the world from Chengdu and Jerusalem to Islamabad and Munich. Ed loved good food, good wine and was a wonderful giver of gifts. He would return from his travels with a food report (which typically included exotic local specialties worthy of an honored guest) and treasured gifts for his daughters, Karen and Wendy, that would range from jewelry to a silk carpet carefully transported in his carry-on luggage.

With changes in family dynamics and lack of challenges at Hanes, Ed was more than happy when Fruit of the Loom recruited him for an executive position in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Soon after Ed began working at Fruit of the Loom, a corporate representative for American Airlines requested a meeting with him. That representative was Esther Zalman.

Ed and Esther married in March of 1993. While in Bowling Green they enjoyed its proximity to Nashville, sailed, and played golf. When both Ed and Esther decided to retire, they chose Virgina’s tidewater area to be closer to Ed’s daughters and several of Esther’s relatives. The area also provided perfect proximity to sailing, seafood and golf.

Ed and Esther enjoyed retirement and all that the Williamsburg area had to offer. A gifted artist and avid gardener, Ed pursued both hobbies. A lifelong hunter and sportsman, he enjoyed outings at the gun range with friends and neighbors. Unlike Esther, Ed never became a bridge enthusiast. Ed would, however, happily assist Esther with her quilting projects utilizing his precise measuring and cutting skills.

The Williamsburg community provided Ed with intellectual pursuits as well as supportive friends and neighbors – he frequently expressed his gratitude for both, especially in the final months of his life.

After a final weekend with his daughters, Ed passed on Tuesday February 20 in his home with Esther by his side, which was his wish.

A service will be held on Tuesday March 5th at 11 a.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg Virginia. https://www.kogva.org/

Memorial contributions may be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church Community Outreach Programs – 4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188.

Ed is survived by his wife, Esther Zalman Johnson, Karen Johnson, son-in-law Kirk Hansen, Wendy Johnson and son-in-law Johnny McCombs.