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RICHARD LEONARD JOHNSON



Richard Leonard Johnson, 84, of Murphy died Sunday, March 26, 2006 in a Murphy medical center. He was a native of Murphy, but had lived for 36 years in Miami, FL before moving back to Murphy in 1981. He was a 1939 graduate of Murphy High School. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Coast Guard. Richard was a retired carpenter and was a member of the Carpenter’s Local Union #1379. He was a member of the Sierra-Norwood Baptist Church in North Miami of which he helped build and served as the Sunday School Superintendent and choir director. His hobbies included gardening and playing the guitar. He was the son of the late Leonard L. and Ollie Haney Johnson and the husband of the late Virginia Edna Freed Johnson, who died January 15, 1994. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Johnson and Imogene Kephart; and two brothers, Neil and Felix Johnson.

Surviving are a daughter, Susan Berkey and her husband, Michael of Greer, SC; a son, Allan Leonard Johnson of Murphy; a brother, Charles E. Johnson of Murphy; three grandchildren, Laurel Marie Johnson, Christopher Berkey, and Timothy Berkey; and three great grandchildren, Anna, Will and Evan Berkey.

Funeral services at 2:00 PM Wednesday (March 29) in the Chapel of the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Ken Phillips officiating. Burial in the Old Martins Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers: Christopher and Timothy Berkey, Sam and Donnie Johnson, Charlie Jones, and Dee Morris.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

The family requests memorials be made in loving memory of Richard Leonard Johnson to the Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice Agency, P.O. Box 465, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

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