HENRY LEE JOHNSON, SR.

     Henry Lee Johnson (“Henkie” to his brothers, sister and cousins…Uncle Henkie to his nieces and nephews) was born September 6,1936 in Goliad, Texas to the union of Henry Johnson and Nazarene Perryman.  He was the second oldest of eleven children.  His wife of 42 years, Gussie Freeman, father, mother, and sisters (Marene Ellis and Elnora Whitby) and brothers (Willie Edward, Lloyd Preston and David Allen) preceded him in death.

      Henry Lee dedicated his life to Christ at an early age.  He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church under the pastorship of O.A. Nettles.  As a family, they would walk miles to attend service.  They would also jump on the back of the wagon when the pastor would pass on his way to church.

      Henry Lee attended school in his elementary years in Goliad and F.W. Gross in Victoria during his high school years.  Because of the distance, he was not able to pursue any extracurricular activities such as sports.  In order to help the family financially, Henry Lee worked in the cotton fields, shined shoes and held various jobs.  After graduating from high school, Henry’s uncle knew a man in San Antonio who needed an employee, the original owner of Lone Star Pet Supply.  Henry worked there for two years before he was drafted into the United States Army.  He served two and half years in the 520th Medical Company earning a Marksman Badge and a Good Conduct Medal.  When Henry left the military, he went back to Lone Star Pet Supply (Animal Supply Company) where he worked for 63 years as a driver, trainer and warehouse manager.  During his tenure at Lone Star, Henry also earned degrees in Radio and Television Repair from Durham College of San Antonio and Scientific Tune-up-Ignition-Carburetion from Advance Schools, Inc.

     Henry has been an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for over 40 years under the leadership of Rev. H.R. James, Jr. (deceased) and later under Rev. H.R. James III.  There he has served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Trustee of Emmanuel Baptist Church Board of Trustees, Sunday School Superintendent, Brotherhood President, Vice-President of Senior Choir, “Men of Praise” Choir team member, Emmanuel Baptist Church Finance Committee, Evangelism Committee and Vacation Bible School willing worker.

     Henry Lee gained his wings on January 7,2022.  His memory will be carried on by his two sons, Henry L. Johnson, Jr. (Angelia A. Johnson), Rodney P. Johnson; granddaughters Jasmine C. Johnson, Kiana N. Johnson, Mikayla. N. Johnson and great-granddaughter Aria Lillian-Mishon Condra, “Oreo” to her PaPa.   He also leaves to cherish his sisters Louise Cunningham, Irene Greathouse (Bill), Laura Lucille West (Howard) and brothers Tommy Marvin Johnson and James Rodger Johnson (Woodie).  Also, his brother-in-law Julius Whitby and sister-in-law Diane Carthorne and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.