Leroy Johnson

Leroy Johnson, 87, of Fremont, died peacefully in his home on May 15, 2023.

A Celebration of Leroy’s life will be held on Friday, May 19, 2:00 pm, at Fremont United Methodist Church, 106 N. Sycamore St, followed by a visitation with the family in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Leroy was born July 13, 1935, in Benson, NC, to Fred and Inez Johnson. Leroy was preceded in death by his eldest son, Mark Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Betsy Hooks Johnson; daughter, Lynn Hill and husband, Scott, of Wilson; son, Doug Johnson and wife, Cindy, of Fremont; and daughter, Elizabeth Blanton and husband, David, of Lynchburg, VA.

Leroy was extremely proud of his nine grandchildren and their families: Jennifer Johnson and son, Marc-Roman Guercio of Montclair, NJ; Megan Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; Amy Johnson and husband, Matthew King, and sons, Charlie and Samuel of Wake Forest, NC; Douglas Johnson of Greeneville, SC; Prescott Hill and his wife, Megan, and son Jethro; Michael Johnson and wife, Heather, of N. Topsail Beach; Katie Smith, and husband, Heath, and daughter Kinslee of Raleigh; Ethan Blanton and wife, Autumn, and son Miles of Lynchburg, VA; and Anna Hamilton and husband, Hunter, who reside in Pikeville, TN.

He was the first of his family to attend college, graduating in 1957 from North Carolina State College with a degree in Civil Engineering. Leroy and Betsy married just weeks later and began their life together in Pittsburg, PA where Leroy began his engineering career with Koppers, Inc. After a brief time north of the Mason-Dixon line, Leroy and Betsy moved back to North Carolina, making their home in Fremont. Leroy worked at T.A. Loving Co. in heavy marine construction prior to starting his own businesses based in Fremont: F-J Construction Co. and J-OK Oil Company. Leroy then traded his tool belt for a tractor and enjoyed farming in and around Wayne County. Leroy shared his wisdom with the Town of Fremont, serving multiple terms as its Mayor in the 1980s and early 90s.

Leroy and Betsy retired to the Neuse River in New Bern where they lived for 20 years prior to moving back to Fremont to be close to their family. Leroy was a living example of a loyal and dedicated husband to Betsy, serving her faithfully until his last breath. Leroy’s dry wit, prolific storytelling, and more than the occasional lecture will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be directed to B2BU Ministries, PO Box 2016, Fremont, NC 27830 or to Fremont United Methodist Church, PO Box 147, Fremont, NC 27830.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com.