Ernest "Ernie" Leonard Johnson

Ernest Leonard Johnson (Ernie) went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Ernest was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, October 7, 1929. He attended school in Ardsley, NY and was Salutatorian for his Jr. High Class and Valedictorian for his Senior Class of 1947. He attended New York University and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. Graduate studies were pursued at Syracuse University and NC State University.

Ernest married Eleanor Gulish on November 22, 1950 while completing his undergraduate studies at NYU. Upon graduation in 1951, he was commissioned as 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force. He served two years of active duty during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska for one year, assigned to the US Air Force Security Service.

Ernie loved flying, and he and his wife Eleanor spent many hours flying, mainly in the eastern United States. He authored a book titled "Hand Beneath Our Wings" published by Xlibris, which described the many adventures he and his family experienced in some 30 years of private flying. Ernest joined IBM in 1953 and held several key managerial positions both in Poughkeepsie, NY and at Raleigh, NC. His last position in Raleigh before retiring in 1986, was Facilities Engineering Manager for the entire Research Triangle Facility, which consists of over 2 million sq. ft. of facility. Upon retiring from IBM in 1986, he accepted a position as Chairperson of Industrial Trades Division of Beaufort Community College in Washington, NC where he developed curriculum for Engineering and Vocational courses for 16 instructors.

Ernie and his wife Eleanor (Ellie) have lived in Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC since 1986, enjoying many years of boating, fishing, and community support including being a volunteer fireman.

Ernest (Ernie) is survived by his daughter, Deborah Lynn Mander of Victor, NY and his son, Clifford Scott of New Bern, NC, three grandchildren, Melissa Ann Warren, Julie Kelly Johnson, and Jason Johnson.

Ernest was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in New Bern, NC.

He will be entombed at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends on Eleanor Johnson.