Thomas Edward “Eddie” Johnson Jr.

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Mr. Thomas Edward “Eddie” Johnson Jr of Elkin, age 76, completed his last earthly harvest, and went to meet his heavenly Father. Eddie was known as a plain old farmer who loved God, his family, and the earth God gave him to tend. He was humble to a fault. Often he could be found in boots, shorts, worn shirt, and a butchered hat, with Redman running out both sides of that big smile. His badges of courage often were bruises and bandages from frequent encounters with branches and repair jobs, or the results of hardened soil from rainless weeks and hot sun. Many times, he could be seen throughout the county hurriedly searching for parts, but was never too busy to slow down for a laugh or to listen to someone else’s uncanny story of another farmer’s peril. He was always ready to help others in the community or throughout surrounding counties. His ideas and speculations often left his family and workers intrigued. He met the love of his life and best friend, the first day of college, marrying in the last year. After graduating from NC State University, he returned to Surry County to farm with his family for several years. Then being blessed with three wonderful children, decided to begin their own farm “Double E Farms” in 1990. Eddie began his claim to fame as early as high school with his leadership roles in FFA, but most memorable was leading his hometown football team to victory, kicking the extra point field goal for Surry Central’s 1965 Championship. Some of his accomplishments include winning the 1995 District Conservation Farm Family of the Year, Young Farmer of the Year, NC Poultry Federation Grower Advisory Board, Governor’s Committee on Parks & Recreation, NC State Fair Livestock Advisory Committee, NC State University Animal Science Club President, County Cattlemen’s Association President, County Tobacco Growers Association President and Director, founding Board Member of the NC Tobacco Growers Association (serving as an officer for many years, and two time winner of the President’s Award), FSA Committee Member, Sunday School Teacher and Church Trustee. One of his most amazing accomplishments included winning the 2004 Lancaster/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year, being the first North Carolina winner. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Loree Johnson, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Carroll and Foye Wagoner, and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Ellen Wagoner Johnson of the home, two sons, Trevar Johnson (Sherry), Tracy Johnson, and a daughter, Shera Holder (Rodney) all of Dobson; Ten grandchildren: Bailey Johnson (Hannah), Clara Johnson, Brody Johnson (Maddie), Thomas Johnson (Cierra), Cassie Harrelson (Jacob), Ella Holder (Caleb), Alicia Holder, Alexia Holder, Andree Holder, and Natalie Holder; his beloved brothers, Randy Johnson (Carolyn), and Mark Johnson ( Molly); and many loved nieces and nephews. Along with his constant buddies: Emie, Jet, and Annie (furbabies). A celebration of Eddie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Peacehaven Baptist Church, 2200 Booger Swamp Road, Yadkinville, NC at 11:00 am, followed by a Farmer Processional to Salem Fork Baptist Church in Elkin for burial. Please join the family for a time of visitation, reflection and memories of Eddie’s life along with food and fellowship immediately following in the Family Life Center at Salem Fork Baptist Church.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Western North Carolina Relief Fund, c/o Peacehaven Baptist Church, PO Box 382, Yadkinville, NC 27055.  Moody-Davis Funeral Service is serving the Johnson family.