Former legislator and businessman dies

Robert Lee "Bob" Johnson of Halsey Street in Sparta died May 30 at the age of 87, just about two weeks before his 88th birthday on June 16.

Johnson was the owner of Johnson Chevrolet for 50 years and Johnson Chevrolet Olds for six years. He also worked in real estate and was in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, having served from 1942 through 1945.

Johnson was a well-known Republican who served in the North Carolina Legislature from 1963-1964.

Family friend Harold Church said Johnson would have served longer but was seriously injured in a car accident.

Johnson also was named the N.C. Republican Party's man of the year and was party chairman at one point, said Church.

Johnson's public service was also seen locally, where he served eight years on the school board, more than 20 years on the board of directors for First Union Bank among other accomplishments.

 

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