Albert Benson Johnson
December 19, 1919 ~ April 30, 2012
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Albert Benson Johnson, 92, passed away on Monday morning April 30, 2012. A native of Spartanburg, SC, A.B. was the eldest of three children of the late Albert Benson Johnson, Sr. and Hattie Foster Johnson.
He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1937. One of his favorite activities growing up on the south side of Spartanburg was participating and attending the American Legion Post 28 baseball games. His father was an active member of Post 28 as was his uncle Gary Evans Foster (WWI Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.) He was thrilled to attend the Legion's national conventions with them. He graduated from Clemson University in 1941 with a degree in architecture. While at Clemson he was a member of the Minaret Architectural Society, and the Sophomore Select Drill Platoon, also known as the Pershing Rifles.
He served in the 307th infantry regiment during WWII attaining the rank of captain. Most of his military service was in the South Pacific-Asiatic battle theatres, primarily Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Star, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal for Bravery, the Bronze Service Arrowhead (Leyte), the American Theatre Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and WWII Victory Medal. He arrived home in December, 1945, married Katherine Butler in April of 1946, and settled in Asheville. He was hired by Henry Gaines and became a member of the Six Associates Architectural Firm. He became an associate of the firm in 1970. He was responsible for the architecture of the VA Hospital in Oteen, and was an integral part of the design team creating the first five buildings of UNCA campus. He also worked on Mission Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital in Asheville. He enjoyed his 41 year career in architecture with "The Six" until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of AIA, The Rhododendron Royal Brigade of Guards, and Biltmore Forest Country Club. He remained a loyal fan and member of Clemson University's IPTAY for 60 years. He has been a faithful member of The Cathedral of All Souls since 1946.
Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his younger brother, Alvin Cecil Johnson, who died in WWII and is buried in the National Cemetery in the Netherlands.
In addition to his beloved wife of 66 years, Katherine (Kitty) Johnson, he is survived by his children, Greg Johnson, his wife, Gayle, and Amy Johnson Hitchens and her husband, Peter, five grandchildren; Kelly Johnson Trott, husband Stephen, Scott Johnson, Bowman Hitchens, his wife Kylie, Palmer Hitchens, Hollis Hitchens and great grandson, Russell Trott. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Johnson Brady and her husband John of Spartanburg, niece Joy Finch and her husband Boyd of Inman, SC.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Elizabeth Smith for her remarkable care of Mr. Johnson and to the compassionate nursing staff at the VA Hospital in Oteen.
Friends of the family are invited to a service celebrating his life at 2 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at The Cathedral of All Souls, in Biltmore Village, Asheville. Interment in the Zabriskie Garden will follow the celebration service. The family will receive friends immediately afterwards in the Owen Library of All Souls Cathedral.
Memorials may be made to The Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC 28803.
Greg,Gayle, Amy and Mrs. Johnson- saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Have fond memories of him from our days at school.He was such a great guy, always positive and upbeat. Remember the beach trips he so graciously supported.Also have fond memories of my visits to your parents and grandmother in Spartanburg.So sorry we can’t attend the visitation but please know that you have our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.