Derwood Johnson, Jr.

Derwood Johnson, Jr., 76, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 07, 2017 at his residence.  He was born on January 1, 1941 in Iredell County to the late Derwood (Jack) Johnson and Hazel Jenkins Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Cool Spring High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army where he retired as a Master Sgt.  He was married to Cecilia Kennington Johnson, who survives.  Mr. Johnson was a retired truck driver who did work for Southern Screw, Douglas Trucking, and Gray Rock Farms.  He attended CountrySide Baptist Church where he most enjoyed the Senior dinners and watching the young people grow in the spirit of our Lord.  Mr. Johnson loved to play golf although he often times said he just needed to quit and throw his clubs in the pond. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest son, Darren Johnson and a brother-in-law, Dennis Mason. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cecilia of the home; two sons, Anthony Johnson of Gastonia and David Dull of Winston-Salem; three grandchildren, Christian, Joshua, and McKenzie Johnson, all of Denver, NC; and two sisters, Grace Gibson (James) of Statesville and Margaret Mason of Mt. Ulla, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, December 10, 2017 at CountrySide Baptist Church with Rev. James Smith officiating.  Military honors provided by North Iredell American Legion Post 113 will follow the service.  The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 2:00 until 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made the Building Fund-CountrySide Baptist Church, 1233 River Hill Road, Statesville, NC 28625.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.