LELAND E. JOHNSON

JOHNSON LELAND E. JOHNSON "Lee" Lee Johnson, 87, died February 12, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Judy, three children, Nancy Myers, Christine Hammond, and Thomas Johnson, and nine grandchildren. He was also father to Sharon Johnson, deceased in 1996. Lee was born in Edgefield, South Carolina on April 30, 1927. In 1943 he enlisted in the Navy and after receiving a War Service Certificate worked for the FBI. In 1953, Lee began working for Remington Rand Corporation (later UNIVAC) where he pioneered the early use of computers in reservation systems for Air France, SAS, United and 18 other major airlines, computer systems for U.S. military operations across Europe, and the first ATC system for the FAA. During the 1960's, Lee was responsible for the installation and successful operation of 46 computer systems for the NASA Gemini and Apollo space programs. In the late 1960's, he was instrumental in founding computer and communication companies including COMTEN, COMSET, COMRESS and COMNET which provided services to the military and multiple Federal government agencies. Lee also founded Federal Airways Corporation, a small aviation company leasing special mission aircraft to Federal government agencies. Lee's contributions to aviation are honored at the National Air and Space Museum. In 1992, he was winner of GCN's PostNewsweek Tech Media Hall of Fame. Since the early 1980's he held board positions and consulted several companies including Falcon, Falcon Microsystems, GTSI and Howard VanBortel enterprises. Lee was known personally and professionally as generous of his time, energy and resources. He was a perfectionist, fighter, devoted husband and father. He is remembered and cherished for his generosity, mental sharpness, creativity, strong will, honesty and integrity, and for his subtle and refreshing wit. He leaves a remarkable legacy of courage, compassion, hard work and achievement and is deeply missed. Funeral Service will be at the Palms Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, FL, Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 4 p.m. Dendy and Andrea Young will host a Celebration of Lee's life at their home in the Washington, DC area in May.Funeral Service will be at the Palms Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, FL, Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 4 p.m. Dendy and Andrea Young will host a Celebration of Lee's life at their home in the Washington, DC area in May.