Woodrow Bennett Johnson, 75, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Statesville, N.C.

Woody was born on August 22, 1948, in Iredell County to the late Paul and Florence Helen Bennett Johnson. He graduated from North Iredell High School in 1968 and earned a business degree from Mitchell Community College. Woody served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971.

Woody drove a school bus at age 16, and worked for Wayne Holland Dairy Farm, Mack’s Variety and Fashion, 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 National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, and Expert Rifleman on the M-14.

Woody is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Deborah Johnson; son, Robbie Johnson (Traci); daughter, DeOna Sands; grandchildren, Matthew Sands, Maekenzie Sands, Madeleine Johnson, Jacqueline Johnson, and Jake Johnson; brother, Donald Johnson; sisters, Peggy Parris (Phillip), Florence Rogers, Cathy Hartness (Denny), Paulette Johnson, and Nancy Johnson; as well as 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 Johnson 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 to 3 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 3 p.m. in the Westmoreland Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, 705 Davie Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

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

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.