Marion Leroy Johnson

Marion Leroy Johnson passed away Friday, June 14, at Willard Walker Hospice Home from complications of diabetes. Born Oct. 6, 1936, fifth child of Dayne and Mamie (Wilson) Johnson of Johnson, he attended school in Johnson, Ark., and Fayetteville High School, class of 1954. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and David Lee Johnson; one sister, Doris Ferguson; and a granddaughter, Natosha Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ellen (Eubanks) Johnson; three sisters, Ina Newberry, Barbara Gilbert and Marie Morris; two sisters-in-law, Kona Johnson and Mary Sue Johnson; three sons, Ben and Tony Johnson of the home, Ron and wife, Beth, of Elkins; and one daughter, Renee Johnson of Springdale; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Leroy retired as a Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 1999 having served under Sheriff Bud Dennis, Sheriff Bill Brooks and Sheriff Kenneth McKee. He owned and operated the Karmelkorn Shop and Bressler's 33 Flavors Ice Cream Shoppe from 1975 to 1980. For over three decades he volunteered for the American Council of the Blind assisting with national convention. He served 22 years as Treasurer of the Arkansas Council of the Blind and for many years as Treasurer of the Northwest Chapter Arkansas Council of the Blind. He was a member of the Johnson Church of Christ. Leroy believed strongly in treating everyone as he would want to be treated including persons incarcerated at the jail. Many former inmates would walk up to him and shake his hand telling him he had helped them to be better citizens. He leaves behind many friends. Visitation at Beard's Funeral Chapel Chapel on Sunday, June 16, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. Graveside services will be Monday at 10 a.m. with Larry Culbreath officiating. Burial will be at Stuckey Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Funeral Chapel followed by a memorial gathering at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Council of the Blind, 4912 Trout Farm Road, Springdale AR 72762. Donations will be used to purchase independent living aids for older blind persons in Arkansas. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.