Obit of Joseph Leland Johnson, Jr.

CHATSWORTH — Joseph Leland Johnson Jr., 85, of Barefoot Bay, Fla., passed away on June 14, 2014, in Vero Beach, Fla. He was born May 13, 1929, to Leland "Joe" and Thelma Johnson. Joe was raised in Chatsworth and lived there most of his life, owning his own business as a plumbing and heating contractor. An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, he could win any sports trivia quiz and loved a 1-0 pitcher’s dual. Joe enjoyed a good poker game, especially when he was winning. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in combat operations on the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9). He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Johnson Huels; cousin, Mary Ellen Alverson; and his wonderful partner and wife, Ruth Davis. He is survived by sister, Jean J. Holcomb; stepchildren, Daniel (Mary) Davis, Richard Davis, Edward (Patti) Davis, Timothy (Marianne) Davis and Kathleen Dixon; and nephews, Larry Holcomb and John (Julie) Holcomb. A brief family and friends farewell will be conducted graveside at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Chatsworth-Charlotte Cemetery, Chatsworth.