Edward Louis Johnson of The Villages passed away on June 6, 2024 at the age of 93. Ed was born in Baltimore, MD and joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1946 at the age of 15. He served as an infantryman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway in Europe. He was discharged in 1948 with the rank of Corporal. After Ed left the Marines, he spent a 35-year career with the Continental Can Company retiring in 1986 as an executive. The last six years before he retired were spent in Saudi Arabia where he was a plant manager.
Ed married his wife Betty in 1951 and they celebrated their 72nd Anniversary last year. They met and lived in Baltimore, MD, until 1980. After returning from Saudi Arabia in 1986 they lived in Ocean Pines, MD., until they moved to The Villages in 1994. In 2018 they moved to the Elan residential housing facility (currently known as Watercrest).
Ed enjoyed his time at Elan/Watercrest where he served on the residents’ board, participated in games and other activities, and gathered with the many friends he made there: he told his family it was like living on a cruise ship that never left port. He and Betty made annual trips to St. Augustine Beach for the Christmas Holiday when all the family gathered to celebrate the holidays, and his December birthday with his favorite German food. Every year he gathered with the family on the beach to build the annual Christmas sandman.
Besides Betty, Ed is survived by his daughter, Candy; his son-in-law, Mike Donnelly; and two grandchildren, David and Marie.
Ed was a long-term member of the St. George Episcopal Church and served as Senior Warden during the construction of the church. His memorial service will be held in the courtyard of the church on Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. This will be followed by a Celebration of His Life Reception at Watercrest at 2:30 p.m. Please come in celebration attire.