Johnie McLeod

Johnie Ruth Ray McLeod slipped away peacefully June 28, 2026, after a full and long life. She always said every day was a gift. Her personal will gave her the strength to move forward after the loss of her beloved husband, George, in 2025.

Johnie was born March 13, 1930, on a ranch with no electricity outside of True, Texas; now known as Newcastle. She was the youngest of seven children born to Willie Eugene Ray and Kitty Elizabeth Williams.

Johnie was a devoted wife who gave consistently to her children, grandchildren, and community. She worked as a bookkeeper in a bank and several doctors’ offices in Statesville. Johnie also created and worked consistently on the “Ham Day” fundraiser for Celeste Henkle School. She led the 4H Club with her husband George and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Statesville, NC. She formed and participated in a number of Bridge Clubs, a gracious host of regular games. She loved to go dancing with her husband, in fact, they met at a dance. She was a vibrant artist who painted portraits of her children and grandchildren as well as landscapes, still lifes, and, always, beautiful flowers. She loved antiques and managed a business, Country Antiques, with her husband, attending sales throughout North Carolina and Virginia and selling their treasures from a shop near her home.

She encouraged her children to develop their creativity as well as their education, supporting them with love and faith in their ability to succeed in all their endeavors. She taught her children and grandchildren to play Rummy from young ages, passing the love of card games on to the next generation. She was an amazing cook, hosting her family for sumptuous holiday gatherings and meals.

A will of iron born of early hardships in life saw her through life’s struggles. That same will blessed her and her children with independence and the ability to love equally as fiercely. Johnie and George McLeod were rarely apart over their 76 years of marriage and together they traveled not only life but the world. They explored the USA, Canada, and Europe together.

She is survived by her children, Michael Ray McLeod (Laura) of Hampstead, NC and Sue Ellen Sims (Gus) of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Jennifer M. Edwards (Scott) of Hampstead, NC, George T. McLeod II (Jennifer) of Newbury Park, CA, Mary M. Fischer (Jake) of St. Louis, MO, D. Alex McLeod (Heidi) of Allen, TX, J. Brad McLeod (Megan) of Seal Beach, CA, Hannah S. Mashburn (Sam) of Delray Beach, FL, Kathleen M. Hunter (Scott) of Belmont, NC, B. McLeod Sims (Jillian) of New York, NY; and great-grandchildren, Stratton (Malia) of San Diego, CA, Weston, Michael, Landon, Laura Kayte, Trenton, Braden, Jack, Greyson, Braxton, Addy, Will, Macie, Kingston, Bradley, Jane, Brittany, Penny, James, Bryce, Thomas, Garrett, and Henry. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the National Cemetery of Salisbury. 

Arrangements for Mrs. McLeod are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.