Johnnie Lee Ireland

The greatest storyteller has drunk his last “Old Bob”—if you know, you know.

Johnnie Lee Ireland (almost 91 years of life) passed away surrounded by his clan on 07-03-2026. He was born to James and Hattie Wooten Ireland.

Known as Johnnie Lee, John Lee, Gran Gran, Juan Leo, Uncle John, Smurf, or simply John, he was a loving husband, a wonderful son-in-law, an incomparable father, a fun-loving grandfather, and a gentle, devoted great-grandfather. He also cherished time with his nieces and nephews, both stateside and abroad—often inviting them to “Pull my finger!” His love of storytelling was legendary and included well-known tales of being kidnapped by gypsies as a small child, The Pullet, Tailybone, and Spear Finger. He was equally known for his many sayings, including “It won’t crank,” “A handshake will do,” and “Thanks for the warning” when someone told him they would see him tomorrow. Johnnie was a skilled artist whose talents included painting, sculpture, woodworking, carving, and furniture building.

After leaving Yadkin County in the early 1950s to work for his uncle in Winston-Salem, he joined the United States Air Force. He was later stationed at Denham Studios in England, where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara. He was warmly embraced by his English family, sharing lively “knees up” celebrations, holidays, and countless stories about his North Carolina roots. Those stories were often met with a grain of salt, a confirming nod, or a dismissive head shake from Barbara, followed by his familiar phrase: “And you can take that to the bank.” His travels took him across the United States as well as to Germany and, most often, England. He took great pride in his military service and loved sharing stories from his travels, along with tales of his American ancestry and ties to moonshining.

After 23 years of service, retiring as a Master Sergeant with many commendations, medals, and awards as a Logistician and Inventory Specialist, Johnnie continued his career in logistics. He served as a Maintenance Manager for McLean Trucking in Winston-Salem, NC, and later as an Environmental and Maintenance Manager for Builders Transport in Camden, SC.

Johnnie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara; daughter Donna Ireland and grandson Richard Cranfill; daughter Carol Ireland Eaton (Steve) and granddaughters Chelsea (Lee) Kiser and Molly Reynolds (Jordyn Probst); and beloved great-granddaughter Jade; his step-grandchildren Carla Eaton (Zeb) Carter and Eric (Amber) Eaton, and step-great grandsons Lachlan, Cooper, Jasper, and Walker. He loved them all “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

He also leaves behind his extended English family: sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ann and Edward Tomlin and daughters Heidi (Ron) Godfrey and Linda Nussbaum (Ken) Richman, and their son Thomas; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Christopher and Caroline Gaylard and daughter Jemma Page.

On this side of the pond, Johnnie was preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Ireland Long and Sylvia Porter, and nephew, Kelly Reinhardt. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Duane Long; Michael (Stephanie) Long, Becky (Monte) Sherrill, Patrick (Brooke) Long, and Melissa (Jeff) Bruce; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A private service will be held for immediate family, with a Celebration of a Life Well Lived to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, whose love and grace were a great comfort to the family. The family would also like to extend a very special thank you to Angie Yokely, the “Golden Child”, for being an amazing friend and source of support.

In the meantime, Dad would advise each of you: “Don’t take no wooden nickels”!

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Ireland Family.