December 17, 2023, 78, Faro —
Mr. Louie Henry Johnson, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at his home.
Louie’s career in agriculture was based on his favorite quote “To get what you want in life, you have to help others get what they want.” His career span of 46 years was spent helping farmers reach their optimal performance with their crops. Louie began his career in 1972 as the first Pesticide Inspector Supervisor with NCDA. It was followed by 10 years of Ag Chemical sales. He eventually found his place in Greene County serving the farmers as the Agricultural Extension agent for NCSU.
Many lifelong friends were cultivated as well. He was a regular contributor to the Carolina Today TV show offering expert advice regarding farming conditions. After retiring from the Extension office, he began a new career with Cardinal Chemicals (now Triangle Chemicals) providing research data that enhanced crop performance.
“With help from the Man up above” per Louie, he also invented and patented the Wick Applicator. Its purpose was to save farmer’s money by making their cotton crops more uniform in height increasing their yields and it was successful in doing so.
Louie married his high school sweetheart, Linda Smith in 1964. They were married 45 years and had 3 children together, Verna, Louie, Jr, and Wilson Lee. After Linda’s death, Louie found love again with Terri. With their marriage in 2012, his family immediately doubled as her children and grandchildren loved him as their own.
His love for his country was evident by his service in the National Guard for 6 years (1962-1968). His love for God was evident by his selfless nature and kindness to others. He was a member of the Mt Nelson Missionary Baptist Church in Eureka. He was also a member of the Masonic Radiance Lodge #132 in Snow Hill.
Louie was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda; his parents, Laura West Johnson and Robert Edward Lee (R.E.L.) Johnson, Sr.; brothers, R.E.L. Johnson, Jr. and Madison E. Johnson; and sister, Lula Lewis.
Louie is survived by his wife, Terri Hill Johnson of Faro, N.C.; his children, Wilson Lee Johnson of Greenville, NC, Verna Johnson Grimsley and husband, Jasper and Louie H. Johnson, Jr and wife, Jennifer of Grifton, NC; grandchildren, Henry Johnson of Kinston, Sidney and Louie Henry “Hank” Johnson, III of Grifton, NC; step-children, Stewart and Lindsay Ervin, Justin and Natalie Ervin, Jeremy Ervin and Kirsten Haggart; step-grandchildren, Colby, Brady, Reid, Jeff, Charlie and Fiona Ervin, Kenleigh and Ayden Haggart; sister, Laura Little, and husband, Marvin of Greenville, N.C.; sister-in-law, Emmie Johnson of Dover; nieces, Susan Little, Elsie Brantley and Patricia Apsitis; and nephews, JB Lewis and Robert Edward Johnson.
A service to celebrate Louie’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy Dale officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Maplewood Cemetery in Kinston.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
