John Lacy Johnson Jr.

John Lacy Johnson Jr. son of the late John Lacy Johnson Sr. and Ella Mae McDaniel Johnson was born on August 19, 1946, in Maxton, North Carolina. He was the eldest of ten siblings. On May 17, 2024, Lacy peacefully transitioned to his Heavenly Home surrounded by family at Atrium Health University in Charlotte, NC.

Lacy was preceded in death by his father John Lacy Johnson Sr.; mother, Ella Mae McDaniel Fairley; brothers, Walter Johnson and Kenneth Johnson; Sister Elaine Johnson.

Lacy was educated in the Robeson County School District and graduated from R.B. Dean High School in 1964.

Lacy Was Drafted into the United States Army at the age of 22. He served six years in the Army, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam. His military responsibilities included serving as an Army cook, while stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the US Army, Lacy relocated from the South to New Jersey where he reunited with family and friends. In 1978, he moved to Charlotte, NC and found employment at Fruchauf Trailer Company. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Gail Porter, who was a colleague and friend of his sister Mildred who introduced them. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 12, 1995. From this union they were blessed with a daughter, Natasha.

Lacy’s employment record included many years at Valmet as a welder before retiring. Several years later he continued his expertise as a welder with Metro Metal & Design, Inc in Matthews, NC.

Lacy loved his family. He was known as one of the family historians where he would often talk about the good times they had growing up and the people they crossed paths with in different places. He found great joy and pleasure in attending cookouts and reunions until declining health prevented him from doing so.

Lacy is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 29 years, Gail Porter Johnson; daughter, Natasha Johnson; son, Carris “BJ” Lawhorne; grandsons, Yadon Lawhorne, Carris Lawhorne Jr., Amir Witherspoon; two brothers, Larry Johnson (Willia), Timothy Johnson (Angela); four sisters, Sandra Johnson, Mildred Pone (Abe), Evangelist Teresa Miller (Reverend Harry Miller), Brenda Fairley; Stepfather, Alexander Fairley; fiver sisters-in-law, Cynthia Johnson; Evelyn Broadway, Bettye Clark (Joe), Louise Adams, Louida Seegars; aunt, Ester McDaniel; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.