Woodrow "Woody" Bennett Johnson

Woody was born on August 22, 1948, in Iredell County to the late Paul and Florence Bennett Johnson. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Woody graduated from North Iredell High School in 1968 and earned a Business degree from Mitchell Community College. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1971.

Woody drove a school bus at age 16, and worked for Wayne Holland's Dairy Farm, Mack’s Variety, Suburban Propane, Heritage Propane and G & B Propane. He received Suburban Propane’s Presidential Award for High Sales, and many awards for top sales.

While serving in the Army, he obtained the rank of Sergeant and was a squad leader in C Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). He earned the Bronze Star Medal with a Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a Oak Leaf Cluster and Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Rifleman.

Woody is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Deborah Johnson; son, Robert Johnson (Traci); daughter, DeOna Sands; grandchildren, Matthew and Maekenzie Sands, Madeleine, Jacqueline, and Jake Johnson; brother, Donald Johnson; sisters, Peggy Parris (Phillip), Florence Ann Rogers, Cathy Hartness (Denny), Paulette Johnson, Nancy Johnson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald Johnson, and Wilfred Johnson; sister, Cynthia Winebarger; and nephews, John Paul Smith, and Anthony Rogers.

Woody enjoyed spending time with family, reminiscing and telling stories. He enjoyed listening to music, learning about his ancestry, gardening, walking in the woods, spending time on his John Deere tractor, and watching his little dogs running and playing. He always had a joke up his sleeve and was a wealth of information. Woody never met a stranger.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. in the Westmoreland Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, 705 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com