Mr. Walter Lee Johnson, age 73 of Roanoke, VA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, surrounded by his baby sister, Carolyn and his niece, Radiance "Wheaty-Wheat". He was born on January 30, 1951 to the late Charles "Buck" Johnson, Sr. and Marie Spinner Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Alfonza "Boodie" Wade; his cousins who were raised as his siblings Lloyd "June" Spinner, Jr. and Annie Louise "Ease" Tinsley.

Walter was affectionately known as "Lee" or "Rockin' Willie" by his family members and close friends. He joined Poplar Spring Baptist Church at an early age. Lee also attended Sunday School at Mt. Rock Baptist Church in his younger years. He was educated in the Bedford County School System, and attended Susie Gibson High School. Lee worked on various farms throughout the county.

Lee loved playing softball; he stood behind home plate as catcher. He even taught several of his family members pointers on how to be the best at the sport. He also enjoyed the outdoors, tending to animals, listening to music, target practice, and most of all talking "junk".

Lee was born with a physical disability, but he never let that hinder him from completing any tasks. Over the years Lee developed a "hard exterior", but he still had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He had a soft spot for children, he nurtured them as his own. Lee's witty remarks, his contagious smile, his stern facial expressions and most of all his personality will be sorely missed by his loved ones including his special caregivers: Carolyn, Alice and Radiance. We find comfort in knowing that he is now resting with God, whom he referred to as "The Man Upstairs."

Those left to cherish his memory are his siblings Charles H. Johnson, Jr. (Everlene "Beck"), Alice Wade, Eva Taylor (Sherman), Rachel Worthan (Thomas) and Carolyn Johnson-Miller; nephews Steven "little brother" Johnson (Chakietha), Travis Wade, Nathaniel Wade (Holly Sweeney), John Martin, Stavros "Ding" Parker and Metron "Tron" Parker; nieces Glenda Wade, Natalie Wade (Earnest Baytops), Delores Martin, Jessica Saunders (Kevin) and Radiance Miller; cousins who were like sisters Clara Rucker, Sheila Ortiz (Ramon) and Mildred McQueen; a close friend who was considered a brother Ozell "Kip" Jones. Lee is also survived by a host of great nephews, great nieces, other relatives and friends including Neal Johnson, Fletcher Miller Sr, Curtis Dabney Sr (Sharon) and Harry Oakley.

God Called Your Name So Softly

God called your name so softly,

that only you could hear,

and no-one heard the footsteps

of angels drawing near.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

but you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you

the day God called you home.