Bobby Lee Johnson

Robert Lee “Bobby Lee” Johnson, 88, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he valiantly fought for seven years.

Bobby Lee was born February 21, 1938, at Camp Ground Farm, Green Springs in Louisa County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leighton “Doc” Johnson and Ida Louise Ennis Johnson; his wife, Phyllis Waugh Johnson; his daughter, Karen Johnson Weaver; and his grandson, Austin Scott Carpenter.

He is survived by his daughter, Paige Johnson Carpenter and son-in-law James Scott Carpenter; his son-in-law, James David Weaver; his beloved grandchildren, Brad Weaver, Hunter Weaver and Kathryn Schmitz, Claire Carpenter, and Collin Carpenter; and a great-grandson Riley Sadler, whom he adored; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bobby Lee was a graduate of Louisa County High School and John Tyler Community College School of Mortuary Science.

Bobby Lee worked at Farm Bureau Insurance before his career as a funeral director at Woodward Funeral Home. After close to forty years of serving families at Woodward Funeral Home, he retired – only to return to work a few years later at Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville. He retired in 2020 at the age of 82 with 52 years of total service as a funeral director – one of the oldest funeral directors at retirement.

He was known to be kind, compassionate, and understanding, while helping families at Woodward and Preddy Funeral Homes through the most difficult times.

Bobby Lee also served his community by serving on the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. He represented the Green Springs district for fourteen years. During his time on the Board of Supervisors, he held the position of Chairman for five years and Vice Chairman for three years.

He was a past member, as well as a past president, of the Louisa County Lions Club. He was awarded Lion of the Year award while serving as a member. He was also a member and past director of the Virginia Hereford Association, and a former member and deacon of Louisa Baptist Church and Gordonsville Baptist Church.

One of Bobby Lee’s favorite places was his homeplace of Camp Ground Farm. It was there he learned the importance of family, a good work ethic, and love of the land. He loved all animals, but enjoyed his time in the fields on his farm with his cattle the most.

Bobbly Lee loved cattle sales, gospel music, and telling a good story to entertain family and friends. He loved to make people laugh! He loved baseball; especially the Atlanta Braves. He also loved UVA and Washington Redskins football.

Bobby Lee, affectionately known as Papa to his grandchildren, was a fan of anything they participated in. From golf to baseball, football to musical theater, he was there to cheer them on. His grandchildren were his greatest treasures. Papa always left them with telling them to call him if they needed anything – and he meant it. He adored them as they did him.

He will forever be missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Magnolia of Orange, the Hospice of the Piedmont, Hannah Colvin, Pat Thomasson, Annette Jackson, and Liz Albrecht for all the love and care give to Papa during the last year.

Family night will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Preddy Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont or Louisa County Rescue Squad.