Ernest Lee Johnson

Ernest Lee Johnson passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 after an extended illness.

He is survived by a daughter, five  granddaughters, and three brothers — Robert Johnson, John Johnson, and Willie Johnson — all of Laurinburg. Ernest shared a special bond with two nephews, Lorenzo Pate and Michael Johnson, both of Laurinburg, and with his cherished niece, Easter Pate of Aberdeen, whom he absolutely adored; and his longtime greatest friend, Hiram Jones.  

A lifelong resident of Scotland County, aside from a brief time spent in New York, Ernest devoted much of his adult life to farming and masonry. In his later years, he found great joy and purpose as a volunteer with ’Tis the Season, a nonprofit organization in Laurinburg. Known affectionately as the “Chief Elf,” Ernest managed the ice-skating rink and played a vital role in helping decorate Downtown Laurinburg for the Christmas holidays.

Ernest was always ready to lend a hand — never saying no to any task and always greeting everyone with a warm smile. His dedication, good humor, and tireless work ethic made him indispensable to the ’Tis the Season volunteers and deeply admired by his community. Ernest took great pride in the place he called home and set an example of generosity and hard work rarely seen today.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2024 followed by the funeral service at 4:00 p.m.  at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel. 

Burial will be in Hillside Memorial Park. 

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