Elmo Leland Johnson, Sr.

Elmo Leland Johnson, Sr., age 86, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away at his residence on Sunday, August 01, 2021.  Born in Henderson County, North Carolina on March 03, 1935, he was the son of the late Ira Elmo and Mary Cole Johnson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Aaron “Bill” Johnson; and one sister, Ira Lou Smith.

Having lived an adventurous life, Leland was an expert hunter, reloader and fisherman.  He was also an expert pilot and in the 1980’s he built an airport from the ground up which was named Johnson Field in Henderson County.  Leland was grateful to have been able to retire at the age of 50.  He was a lifelong member of the NRA; a member of the Elks Club and Kedron Masonic Lodge #387 A.F. & A.M. in Hendersonville.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 67 years, Betty R. Johnson; two sons, Elmo L. Johnson, Jr. (Leticia Lendway) and Barry William Johnson; one daughter, Susan Johnson Fowler (Larry); and three granddaughters, Savannah Grace Johnson, Olivia Fowler and Emma Kate Fowler.  Leland is also survived by two sisters, Ruth Netherton and Mary Bell Streetman; one brother, Benny Cole Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 07, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Hendersonville with Pastor Phillip Trees officiating. Graveside rites will be provided by Kedron Masonic Lodge #387.  Those serving as pallbearers, Mike Cooper, Zack Cooper, Jeff Cooper, Brad Cooper, Tom Cooper, Jr. and Tony Dills.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Johnson’s memory are asked to consider, Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, Florida 32886 or by visiting www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.