With a foundation of love for family and
country, it was an acknowledgement of
God’s love that made Lee personally proud.
He shared often about being hand-picked by
his Heavenly Father and lived a life of gratitude.
With the heart of a servant, Lee never
met a stranger and made sure there was a
smile or laugh shared. It was a good time,
all the time for the vibrant and contagious
personality that lit up the room with positive
energy. Lee’s life is a legacy of
letting his light shine to show
that love hand-picked all of us
for glory if we allow ourselves to
be embraced.
It was that embracing love of
God, family and friends that
would sustain Lee Johnson
during his valiant life battle. In
September of 2017, Lee was
diagnosed with Stage IV Non-
Small Cell Adenocarcinoma of
the lung. The warrior readied
for the fight, armed with his
constant smile, positive outlook
and unmoving faith. It is known
today that most did not know
about his diagnosis at first due to Lee always
presenting as the same fun-loving, smiling
“Houser” they had always known. Every
three weeks, his older brother Ray would
pick Lee up in the early morning hours, drive
him to Vanderbilt for treatments and make
the return trip home. It was a precious time
of togetherness for the brothers, moments
that time nor space can erase. The aggressive
cancer, long trips for treatment and medication
never dimmed the famous grin. Lee’s
life is a legacy of fighting to the finish with
constant joy of heart.
In the wee hours of the morning on Monday,
February 19, 2019, Lee was hand-picked for
heavenly wings and a glorious reunion with
his beloved parents and the oldest brother
he had never known. Lee’s life is a legacy of
loving dogs, collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia,
loving Hooters for the hot wings,
playing with his nieces & nephews, enjoying
his dream job riding tractors all day for the
city of Madisonville, working at the local golf
course, being a best friend, being a baby
brother, being a U.S Army Veteran, honoring
all military personnel, and being the biggest
UT Vols Fan!
30 McMINN LIFE SUMMER 2019