Ernest Lee Johnson

Ernest Lee Johnson was born October 15, 1946, in Albion, Michigan to Willis and Willie Mae Johnson. He was 76 years old at the time he gained his wings on June 6, 2024. Ernest attended Albion Public School system and graduated from Albion High School in 1965. He was the second oldest child of 8 children.

He was drafted by the Army during the Vietnam War and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lighting, as they were known) in 1966. He served honorably from 1966 until 1968. He gained the ranking of E3 Private 1st class and received a Purple Heart due to being injured during the Vietnam campaign. After the war, he returned back to Albion, MI and returned to work at Union Steel Products. While employed at Union Steel, he started attending Jackson Community College where he received his CDL Certification and shortly after, starting working for Yellow Freight Corporation. He married Yvonne Marie Lackey on October 3rd, 1973. From that union, was born one son, Arron Delvonte Johnson. The couple moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1981. Ernest continued to work for Yellow Freight for 45 years and did so until he retired in 2006. His love for Maria was so strong that he remarried her again on October 3rd, 1983. Ernest resided in Albuquerque, NM until 1997 when he moved to Texas.

Ernest was a faithful member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist church (Alion, MI) in his youth and later joined Bethel Baptist Church (Albion, MI). Once in Albuquerque, he attended Mt. Calvery Baptist Church. When he moved to Texas, he joined Community Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death. Ernest was a proud Veteran who participated in community activities for retired, disabled Vets. He was an exceptional Father, grandfather and a dedicated friend and neighbor. He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, hunting, traveling and just about anything that dealt with the outdoors. He loved photography, smooth Jazz and communicating with anybody. His happiness came from seeing and making others around him happy. He had a tender heart with an incredible ability to communicate with anybody on any level. His nickname “Motivation” as he was fondly called in the trucking arena, describes just the type of Man he was. A motivator.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one biological son, Arron Delvonte Johnson (Rachel); 4 stepchildren: Samuel Lackey (Joanne) Albuquerque, NM; Quotrina Lackey (Salt Lake City, UT); Constance Lackey-Terry (Garland, TX); and Netta Lackey-Jackson (Salt Lake City, UT). Siblings: Ferdinand Johnson (Tammy) Albion, MI; Phillip Johnson (Sulphur Springs, TX); Althea Johnson (Albion, MI). Grandchildren: Derrek Parry, Mykala Johnson, and Arron Johnson Jr. along with Jerrica Sanders, Marshon Arnold, Nashay Lackey, Tarek Lackey, Quonitra Griffin, Brandy Lackey, Oron Newson, Brejette Emery, Lady Jackson, and Ernicio Jackson. Lifelong friends, Harry Bonner, Sr. and Carl Wilson. A host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, too many to mention. All of which he shared a special bond with.

Preceding Ernest in death are both his parents and siblings, Evelyn Blake, L.D. Johnson, Joe Johnson, Vernon Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Catherine Johnson-Wallace.

His life was a blessing, and his memory a treasure. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed beyond measure. “And everything”

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 with a family hour at 11AM followed by a service at 12PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Albion Memory Gardens.