Lee James Frederick Johnson embarked on his celestial journey October 14, 2018 to be with God. Most likely he was telling everyone he met along the way about his amazing 96 years on Planet Earth. Ever the quintessential story teller, he would gladly tell his life story began February 2, 1922 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, how he grew up in the Great Depression, worked for U.S. Steel in his teens, joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) in New Mexico, got drafted and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, survived and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.
He would say that after the War, he was assigned to the U.S. Constabulary in West Germany, met his wife there, then went on to be a part of the Military Police Corps as a criminal investigator; how after retiring from the Army after 22 years of service, he went to work for General Services Administration, in charge of VIP protection for foreign dignitaries and President Kennedy visiting Arlington National Cemetery.
He would reminisce about his retirement years spent traveling with his wife in Europe, enjoying his family, attending Constabulary reunions, serving in the Military Order of the Purple Hearts for 16 years as the Adjutant and Historian of Chapter #353 in Virginia, and as Americanism Officer for #1836 in Texas, painting, writing his memoirs, watching westerns or the History Channel, reading world history books, hanging out with his pal, Jack Daniels and his two tail-waggin’ best friends, Benji and Ginger.
But most of all he would tell everyone he was born to be a soldier, how he loved his country, and how the army was his life, and when he arrived at the gate of Heaven, he most likely stood at attention and saluted.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Susanna K. Johnson, and Best Friend, Benji; survived by daughter Elizabeth S. Rolls, son-in-law Joe P. Rolls, granddaughter, Suzanna McLeod, her husband Gabriel and great granddaughters, Luna and Largo in Orlando, Florida, and his Second Best Friend, Ginger.
Sincere gratitude to Debbie Phillips, his amazing day to day caregiver, and to Chris Tharpe, RN and the staff of Legacy Hospice for their care, comfort and compassion.
Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, he would want you to make a contribution in his name to a veteran’s organization or an animal rescue organization of your choice.
