James “Leonard” Johnson

James “Leonard” Johnson, walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 06, 2022, in Lexington, SC.

Leonard was the loving husband of Susan Keegan Johnson with whom he celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on January 7, 2022.  He was born in Sumter County, the son of the late Cecil H. Johnson, Sr. and the late Stella Ardis Johnson.

Survivors include his wife of West Columbia; he was the father of Roy W. Johnson of West Columbia, Kelly H. Fitzgerald (James) of Swansea, Amanda Flanagan of Lexington.  His six grandchildren whom he loved and cherished, Kelsey Hoffman (Buck), Kolby Johnson, Keagan Johnson, Rhys Johnson, Allie Flanagan and Connor Fitzgerald. He is also survived by two brothers, Charles Blanding (C.B.) Johnson of Paxville, and Harold Johnson (Linda) of Sumter. Also remaining a special friend Robin Martin whom he loved as a son.He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil H. Johnson, Jr., David Johnson and sister Josie Leigh Hudson. 

He graduated from Furman High School in 1964, then attended Columbia Commercial College.  He was employed by Pepsi-Co from 1965 to 2005, where he was the Transportation Manager until retirement.  He was the VP of Limitless Sports, where he helped Coach participants who are physically challenged to experience wheelchairsports activities and competitions.

He is a member of Springdale Baptist Church and a member of the Truth Seekers Sunday school class.

Leonard loved spending his time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He greatly enjoyed Clemson sporting events with family and friends. He loved traveling and especially enjoyed spontaneous trips. He spent many years involved in wheelchair sports, competing in basketball, track and field, and weightlifting.  He loved road races and competed all over the southeast. He truly loved life and he loved living it.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Springdale Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy McGill.  Burial will be in the Pinewood Cemetery, Pinewood, SC at 3:00 p.m.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  The family would like to encourage everyone to wear Orange to celebrate Leonard’s love of the Clemson Tigers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clemson University Foundation. Please direct your gift to Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreational Therapy Lab in memory of Leonard Johnson. Gifts may be made online at iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving, by phone at (864) 656-5896 or by mail: Clemson University, Annual Giving Office PO Box 1889 Clemson, SC 29633.

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