Samuel H. Johnson

Raleigh - Samuel H. Johnson passed away on October 18, 2017 at the age of 90.  Sam was born on September 13, 1927, on a farm in Sampson County to Elliot W. “Jack” Johnson and Katie Rebecca Burnett.  Sam attended Franklin High School in Harrells, NC, and after graduating he left the farm at age 16 to attend Pfeiffer Junior College, where he participated in the work program to pay his way through college.  During the waning days of World War II, he joined the Navy and studied electronics.  He graduated with advanced degrees from the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. After leaving the Navy in 1948 Sam enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In the summer of 1950 Sam took a break from school and traveled to Mexico City to study creative writing.  After returning from Mexico Sam began dating his future wife, Anne Latham Johnson from Rose Hill, NC.  They married on August 30, 1952, and he returned to UNC to finish out his final year in law school.  He passed the NC State Bar Exam in the spring of 1953, began to practice law, then eventually opened his own law practice in January of 1955. Sam was very active in politics.  He served as President of the North Carolina Young Democrats, and was a member of the NC House of Representatives for ten consecutive years.  Within a few years Sam was persuaded to represent the interests of professional associations and individuals to the NC Legislature.  He eventually became ranked as the number one legislative lobbyist in the state. Sam retired from practicing law in December 2015 from the firm of Johnson, Hearn, Vinegar & Gee, PLLC, after 62 years of law practice.  Sam was an active member of numerous associations and service organizations, and was very active at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church.  Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, amateur radio, writing, and spending time with family and friends at Atlantic Beach, NC. Sam loved being around people and he had a heart for helping those in need. Sam is survived by his wife Anne and their two children: his daughter Leslie Johnson Carpenter and his son Bill Johnson, both of whom currently live with their families in the Wake Forest area.  Leslie is married to Tyler Carpenter, and they have one son, Blake Carpenter.  Bill is married to Karen Johnson, and they have two children, Emily and Jake Johnson.  Sam’s beloved pet beagle is Rusty Johnson, who now resides with Leslie. The family would especially like to express their gratitude to the outstanding staff at Springmoor’s Stewart Health Center. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 2 p.m. at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, located at 27 Horne Street in Raleigh, followed by a celebration of Sam’s life in the Fellowship Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, or to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.