- Thursday, 13 March 2025
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Russell Lee Johnson
Russell Lee Johnson, 83, of Hickory, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.
He was born April 15, 1941 in Alexander County to the late Texie Johnson Bumgarner. Russell was a member of Springs Road Baptist Church in Hickory and a 1959 graduate of Taylorsville High School. He worked as an upholstery supervisor for many years at Leathercraft Furniture, and later retired from Lexington Home Brand Furniture. Russell lived a life full of passion for the outdoors, sports and classic cars. He found joy in gardening, fishing and hunting. He was a devoted fan of NC State and the Dallas Cowboys, never missing a chance to cheer them on. Beyond sports, he had a deep love for classic cars, especially Mustangs and NASCAR Ford cars.
Russell was preceded in death by his son, Rusty Johnson; granddaughter, Leigh Nisbet; mother, Texie Johnson Bumgarner; step-father, Cranford Bumgarner; brother, Jimmy Bumgarner; and brother-in-law, Gene Harvell
Those left to cherish his memory are;
Wife of 63 years: Betty Sue Phillips Johnson
Daughter: Tammy J. Nisbet and husband Jeff
Granddaughter: Taylor Nisbet
Grandson: Riley Johnson
Sister: Dianne HarvellA memorial service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Springs Road Baptist Church in Hickory. Pastor Jeff Brown will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at Springs Road Baptist Church. A private graveside inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springs Road Baptist Church, 3580 Springs Rd. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607
The Johnson family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111
Tribute Wall for Russell Lee Johnson
