Leroy Johnson

LeRoy Johnson, affectionately known as “Leeroy”, “Pop”, “Dad”, “Johnson”, and “that’s my baby”, passed on April 11, 2023. He was the second of two children born to the late Laura V. Gorden on February 25, 1933 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Laura passed away when LeRoy was just a young toddler, and he was reared with love by George and Cora Johnson, along with his grandmother, Mary Hopkins, who was Cora’s mother and who also lived with them. He grew up on Pearl Street and united with the Travelers Rest Baptist Church, their neighborhood Church, at an early age. LeRoy also attended McIntyre Junior High School from 1944 – 1947 and Bowman High School from 1947 – 1951.

After high school, LeRoy joined the United States Army and served his country for 21 ½ years, participating in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. LeRoy was stationed at various military posts throughout his career, including El Paso, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Panama. It was in El Paso, Texas that LeRoy met his “Sweetie Poo”, Amelia S. Hill, in 1958; however, it would be many life circumstances, military assignments and retirements, before they united in marriage on his birthday in 2006. They enjoyed a beautiful 17-year marriage of love for each other, their family and their friends, filling their home with laughter, and bringing joy and sweetness to everyone around them. They also enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States and abroad, and they shared wisdom, gave advice, and told hilarious stories about how they met and dated.

LeRoy spent 14 years of his Army career as a Military Policeman and Police Operations Supervisor, where he had overall responsibility for security, law enforcement and protection of military personnel, civilians, VIPs, diplomats, facilities, assets and highly-classified documents and sites. He advised commanders on physical security precautions, pilferage, espionage and sabotage activities; created security surveys; and staffed, scheduled, trained, evaluated, supervised and disciplined a unit of 140 Police Officers. Additionally, LeRoy responded to emergency situations and assessed, evaluated, and conducted surveillance and investigations on drug, illegal contraband and other criminal activities, accidents and occurrences. During his 21 ½ years, LeRoy received many honors and awards, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medals, six Vietnam Service Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, the Korean Service Medal, and numerous Certificates of Achievement and Letters of Appreciation. LeRoy retired and was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army in 1971 as a Sergeant 1st Class.

Upon retiring from the U. S. Army, LeRoy began a second career with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Police and Security Services, where he spent 22 years as Lead Police Officer and Detective of the Lakeside Division, and Assistant Chief of Police in the Chicago Health Care System’s three Area Divisions, Outpatient Clinic in Crown Point, Indiana, and Lakeside and Westside Medical Centers. LeRoy developed strategic security and crime prevention plans, goals, procedures and planned for technical equipment, emergency transportation and security clearances for protection of personnel, property, medical supplies, civil rights and peaceful environments. He received numerous awards and commendations for his work.

After a 43-year total federal service career, LeRoy “retired-retired” and relocated to North Las Vegas, Nevada. His work, however, was not done, and he worked in his community – both his military and hometown neighborhood communities, where he served as a Board Member of the Association of US Army – Las Vegas, John C. Fremont Chapter; Vice President of Enlisted NCO/Enlisted activities; Member of the National Association of Retired Employees - Las Vegas Chapter; and President of Seneca Falls #1 Homeowners Association. One of his great pleasures was his work and leadership in the Vicksburg, Mississippi Benevolent Homecoming Club where he was a member of both the Chicago and Las Vegas Chapters. It was through this association that scholarships were given annually to local youths, and in addition, assistance was provided to those most in need. The Vicksburg Benevolent Homecoming Club also united friends and love ones from across the country through their homecoming events. LeRoy and Amelia would travel annually to Vicksburg to the Homecoming banquet to make the scholarship announcements and provide updates from the Chicago and Las Vegas chapters.

LeRoy united in fellowship with Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas under the leadership of the late Pastor, Dr. Robert E. Fowler, Sr. He enjoyed attending their early morning Sunday service and his surprising connections and reconnections with members who were from Vicksburg, Mississippi. He maintained an active membership until his health began to fail; however, he enjoyed watching and listening when he could to both his church’s service and to service at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Forestdale, Alabama, where his son, Reverend Curtis T. Johnson, was pastor.

LeRoy leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 17 years, Amelia; three sons, Larry Johnson (Lucille) of Arlington, TX; James Johnson of Chicago, IL; and Reverend Curtis Johnson of Birmingham, AL; his three children-in-love, Ezel “Peter” Hill, Junior of Las Vegas; Yvonne Patricia Hill of Chicago, IL; and Teresa Hill Oliver of Las Vegas; his sister, Mary Lizzie Morrison of Chicago, IL, and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005. The Memorial Service will begin at 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16th. Live Streamed at: YouTube.com/bizspotstudios/live A repast will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Pearson Community Center, 1625 W Carey Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89032.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/las-vegas-cremation for the Johnson family.