Johnson, Percy Leroy

On August 15, 1938, in Pulaski, Virginia, Marcellus and Arvella (Lash) Johnson welcomed the third of three sons. The proud parents named him Percy Leroy Johnson. His smile was his signature of love and happiness as a child and even later in life.

Percy accepted Christ at an early age and was later baptized at New Century United Methodist Church (Pulaski, VA). Percy attended grade school at the Calfee Training School (Pulaski, VA) and graduated high school from the Christiansburg Institute in 1957. Percy joined the United States Army December 20, 1961 and was stationed in France. In 1964, Percy transferred from the US Army to the US Army Reserves until honorably discharged in December 1967.

Percy and his soul-mate and life-long love and partner, Ann Murphy of Radford, VA, met at the Christiansburg Institute in 1954. Percy and Ann were united in holy matrimony on December 28, 1964. To their union was born a daughter, Lisa Coretta, and a son, Louis Marcel.

Percy attended college at New River Community College, obtained an Associates degree in Electrical Studies and began a career as a Certified Electrician at Lynchburg Foundry, where he worked for 33 years. Percy never met a stranger, and offered a smile and life advice to anyone in need. He took great pride in building and repairing all sorts of structures, from decks, life-size and miniature cars, sheds, and radios. He was a dedicated and present father to Lisa and Louis, serving as a coach for Louis’ Little League Baseball Team and chauffeur to both Lisa and Louis.

Percy was preceded in death by his father and mother as well as his two beloved brothers Marcellus Junior and James Richard Johnson. Percy’s memory will be forever cherished by loved ones who remain: his wife of fifty-six years, Ann Murphy Johnson; his daughter and grandson Lisa and Jordan Johnson; his son, Louis (Frances) and grandchildren, Garner Murphy, Greyson Gabriel Baker, and Nunnally Lash Johnson; dedicated sister-in-laws, Janet Johnson, Magdline Nicholas, Maxine Murphy, Dorothy Johnson and Harietta Saunders, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Percy imitated God’s unconditional love as he nurtured and cared for his family and served his community.

A funeral service will be held Monday, June 28, 2021, 1:00PM at Randolph Ave. United Methodist Church Pulaski. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be held in Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, VA.