Monroe Garland Johnson, Jr., age 87, died Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living. Born in Rutherford County on March 18, 1929, he was the son of the late Monroe Garland and Una Louise Setzer Johnson. Monroe was a member of Central United Methodist Church. He graduated high school from Woodberry Forest in Orange, Virginia, where he played baseball, football and basketball. He received his Bachelor's degree in business from UNC-Chapel Hill and he served as President of SAE Fraternity his senior year. Garland served 2 years in the United States Navy. He was the owner and President of Cleveland Lumber Company and served a term of one year as President of the Southern Building Materials Association. Also, he served on the Board of the local BB&T, for a number of years. Garland's passion included his cattle farm, his family and traveling. In addition to his parents, Garlands is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gracie Macklin Johnson.

Garland is survived by a son, Carter Johnson and wife Sarah of Shelby; a daughter, Teresa Skidmore and husband Peter of Fort Mill SC; a sister, Jane Hunter of Gaffney SC; nine grandchildren, J.C. Johnson, Drew Johnson, Ashley Skidmore, Matthew Skidmore, Anna Pettus, Mary Grace Poindexter, Alex Skidmore, Grayson Skidmore, Zach Skidmore; many loving nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

Garland was surrounded by a special group of caregivers who became family, special thanks to Paulette, Impinnna, and Tracy Honeycutt.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Danny Leonard officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall and other times at the home of Carter and Sarah Johnson. Private burial will be held at Sunset Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to; Central United Methodist Church, 200 E. Marion St, Shelby, NC 28150; Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Johnson.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com