Elliott McKinley (Red) Johnson departed his earthly home into his heavenly home on Saturday March 22, 2014 to be welcomed by those who have gone before him. He was born in Fort Mill SC on February 27, 1928 to Otto McKinley and Molly Elizabeth Johnson. He was a active member of the Shelby church of Christ. He retired from welding after owning his own welding business for over 30 years, teaching welding at CCC and working at Goforth Brothers and Burns & Spangler. Many say he was the best welder in his field. Red loved to spend time with his family and he loved to fish and travel. In addition to his  parents, Red is preceded in death by two brothers Robert Abner Johnson and Charlie Dulin, daughter in law Cathi Johnson and grandson Nathan Lane.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mona Sexton Johnson, sister Becky Baker of Apex NC, daughter Kathy Robertson and husband Buck, sons Dennis, Cliff and wife Linda, Jeff and wife Wanda all of Shelby. He was blessed with his grandchildren Shane, Anissa, Zachary and Jonathan Johnson and Chris and Rodney Hamrick. He also had five great grandchildren Rose and Riley Hamrick, Marley and Scarlett Lane and Evalynn Johnson.

Services will be held Tuesday at 10 am March 25, 2014 at Cecil M. Burton funeral home officiated by Preacher Terry Graves. Visitation will follow the service and other times the family will be at the home of Mona Johnson 2615 Oak Grove Road. Burial will be private at Westview Gardens in Bessemer City, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shelby church of Christ, 825 West Warren Street, Shelby NC or Hospice of Wendover Shelby NC.