The following obituary was published by Westmoreland Funeral Home & Crematory.
After a period of declining health, at the age of 87, Tom Johnson Sr. was welcomed into his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family and friends on Friday, Oct. 11, according to his obituary.
Born on Sept. 17, 1937, in Yancey County, Tom had humble beginnings, growing up in Lower Pig Pen. He moved to Marion in 1960 after graduating from East Tennessee State University. Tom was a member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church for over 60 years. He also served as a teacher and principal at Pleasant Gardens High School. Tom’s commitment to his community extended further as he became a Boy Scout leader and the Chief of the Pleasant Gardens Fire Department.
Most people knew Tom as the owner of Tom Johnson Camping Center, a business he started with just a few campers for sale in his front yard. Through hard work and perseverance, the company expanding into one of the largest dealerships in the country and employed more than 300 people, with locations in Marion and Concord. He sold his dealership to Camping World in 2014.
Tom was renowned for his easygoing nature and generosity. His high standards and selflessness were felt throughout McDowell County, though he never sought recognition. Tom’s deep concern for others drove him to help anyone in need, making everyone around him feel special and loved. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and they never doubted how much their Big Tom loved them.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Everett Johnson and Monnie Bailey Johnson; two sisters, Kathleen Penland and Wanda Hansil; and brother, James “Bud” Johnson.
Surviving are his two children, Tommy Johnson, II and wife Jody and Martha Johnson Poteat and husband Tim, both of Marion; sister, Laulage Neil of Montgomery, Alabama; four grandchildren, Ben Poteat (Chelsi), Lara Poteat (Josh Meisner), Lacey Poteat, and T.J. Johnson, III (Lee); and eight great grandchildren, Lilly Poteat, Cooper Fair, Hudson Fair, Roman Poteat Isaac Johnson, Chloe Fair, Owen Johnson, and Aubrie Poteat.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. A private graveside service will be held in Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church Hurricane Helene Relief fund at 214 PG Baptist Church Rd, Marion, North Carolina, 28752.
