Mr. Eddie Lee Johnson

JOHNSON, Mr. Eddie Lee - Age 82, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at McLaren-Flint. Family hour 1:30 PM Sunday, January 29, 2017 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 2:00 PM, Pastor Steven Shafer officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home 1:30 PM Sunday. Mr. Johnson will lie in state in the chapel of Lawrence E. Moon funeral and may be viewed 12:00 PM-8:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2017. Mr. Eddie Lee Johnson, passed away from gastric cancer with his family by his side on January 17, 2017 at McLaren Regional Medical Facility. Eddie Lee Johnson was born on June 23, 1934. He was the eldest of what would be 3 children from the union of Cleophus and Sadie Johnson. His life began on a share cropping farm in the small City of Catherine, Alabama. When Eddie was 15, the Johnson family bought their own farm, and moved to Pratt City, Alabama, a small community near Birmingham. In 1953 he graduated from Parker High School. That same year he migrated to Flint, Michigan finding employment at GM - Buick Motor Division. While driving to work one day he spotted a strikingly beautiful young lady. That young lady became the love of his life. On November 1, 1955 he married Lorraine Redmond. Their union was blessed with 6 children. Eddie had many achievements during his tenure at Buick. He began his employment as a lineman. Realizing that line work was not for him, he pursued truck driving. He was the first black truck driver for Buick. After many years of truck driving Eddie was offered an opportunity to train in the field of auto mechanics. He completed his apprentice work and became a Journeyman Master Mechanic. This too was a first for his ethnicity within the Division. After nearly 54 years of employment, Eddie retired from GM as the Lead Mechanic. Eddie spent his entire life as a humble servant to those around him. He praised God every day and was a baptized member of United Church of God. He was a “jack of all trades”. Whether it was repairing a car, roof, or leaky faucet or building a garage or home addition, he had the skills to complete the job. No matter the task, it would be done right! His heart was filled with the spirit of love and natural concern for others. He never met a stranger. He had a passion for providing for his family, and preparing them for life’s turbulence. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, playing the blues on his guitar, fishing, listening to music, classic cars, playing cards, and traveling with his “Sweet” Lorraine. He made a point of expressing his love and joy for his family, and their accomplishments regardless of the magnitude. He always found a way to compliment those around them, leaving them smiling. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Eddie Johnson leaves to cherish his legacy: his dedicated loving wife of 61 years Lorraine; children, Cheryl (Sedgwick) Perry, Talicia (Edgar) Taylor, Mark (Tameka) Johnson, and Krystal (Ronald) Wallace; grandchildren, LeNisha Perry, JaMial, Jazmin, and Jarred Story, E’Licia Wallace, Ishijah Johnson, Ronald Wallace Jr, Mark Johnson II, JaiElyn Johnson, Shaniah Wallace, and Kailyn Johnson; great-grandchild, Tyler Boyd; brothers, James (Frances) Johnson and Christopher Tate; sisters, Mary (Edward) Wills, Ericka Johnson, and Mary Tate, and a host of other relatives and beloved friend, W.C. Ross. Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by: daughter, LaTanya Johnson; infant son, Myron Delynn; grandson, JaVan Story; parents, Cleophus and Sadie Johnson; brothers, Unree Johnson and Jonah Lucy. Our family would like to express a special thank you to the United Church of God, McLaren Medical Center Staff, and anyone that reached out to us during our bereavement. Until we meet again….

Mr. Eddie Lee Johnson

June 23, 1934 - January 17, 2017