WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
LeRoy A. “Smiley” Johnson, 78, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at 10:55 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at his home. He was born on June 5, 1938 in Constantine to the late William T. and Dora L. (Norton) Johnson Sr. On Dec. 31, 1958 in Franklin, Ky., he was united in marriage to the former Mary Carpenter.
Smiley is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Johnson; daughter, Esther (Mark) Robinson of Fond du Lac, Wis.; two sons, LeRoy (Vicky) Johnson II and Larry Johnson, both of South Bend, Ind.; two grandchildren, Jessica Johnson and Alex Robinson; one great grandson, Ayden Thomas; two brothers, Gerald (Joann) Johnson of Three Rivers and Dennis Johnson of Navasota, Texas and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William T. Johnson, Jr.
Smiley moved to the family farm at the age of six and began attending Corey Church of the Nazarene in Three Rivers. His love of God and the church has always been close to his heart. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. In 1969, he moved to South Bend where he lived the remainder of his life. Smiley worked as a burglar alarm specialist for Diebold Inc. retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service.
A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29 at the South Bend First Church of the Nazarene, 51690 Ironwood Road, South Bend, Ind. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements.
Contributions in memory of LeRoy A. “Smiley” Johnson may be offered to South Bend First Church of the Nazarene, 51690 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 or Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
