Lewis Brandon Johnson was born July 30, 1922, in Heflin, Alabama. His parents were Tinker Swope Johnson and Davis Seth Johnson. In April 1945, he married Marjorie Danley. His children are Lewis Brandon Johnson, Jr., of Montgomery, Martha Jane Johnson of Opp, and Lea Johnson Strickland of Opp.
Lewis graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1940 from Heflin High School. He attended Auburn University from 1941-1942 and became a lifetime alumnus in 1961. From September 1942 to October 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World
War II.
After serving in World War II, Lewis moved to Opp in April 1945, and married Marjorie Danley and became a salesman for Danley Furniture Company, which had eight retail stores. In 1946, Lewis helped establish and manage Danley Wholesale and was instrumental in the establishment of 20 independently owned furniture stores. At the death of H.D. Danley in 1958, he became president of Danley Furniture Company, Inc. He served as president of the Alabama Furniture Association from 1967-1968 and as president of Southeastern Home Furnishings Associations in 1984. Lewis became Mr. Furniture Dealer in 1973 and served as a director of the National Furniture Association from 1972-1983. He also assisted Jefferson State College in developing a four-year accredited college course in furniture retailing. He developed LeMar Shopping Center consisting of five stores and that led to further development with six more units around the perimeter.
“Candy” has always had a love for his community and has been willing to serve Opp in many capacities. From 1953-1986, he served on the Mizell Memorial Hospital Board and served as president of the Hospital Board of Directors. During his membership, major improvements were made at Mizell Memorial Hospital: the Catherine Mizell Wing was built, the second and third floors were added, and the first heart unit in this area was created.
In addition, Lewis has served several civic roles. He served on the Opp City Board of Education during the locating and building of South Highlands Elementary School. He served on the original Planning Board for the City of Opp. He also was a Chamber of Commerce Director and served on the committee to locate Douglas MacArthur State Technical College and Lake Frank Jackson in Opp.
Lewis is outstanding not only in his business endeavors and community service but also in his commitment to his church. When Lewis moved to Opp in 1945, he became a member of the First United Methodist Church. He has served in almost every capacity of the church’s life: lay leader, treasurer, chairman of the Official Board, chairman of Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, chairman of the Building Committee, Men’s Fellowship Sunday School Class teacher, and many others. He has served positions on the district and conference level of the Church. Lewis is a man of Christian character and integrity, who lives his faith every day.
Other significant accomplishments include the donation of land and assistance in building the Opp Masonic Lodge, a sustaining member of the Boy Scouts of America since 1960, and chairman of the Second Choral Assistance Fund. His service also includes one of the founders of Citizens National Bank and Chairman of that Board for more than twenty years, president of the Opp Broadcasting Company, member of the Lions Club, member of the Opp Masonic Lodge, and member of Alcazar Shrine.
Lewis’ life exemplifies his strong Christian character and his high ethical standards. His focus in life has been love for his family, his community, and his church. Lewis’ business contributions and his volunteerism in this community have made Opp a good place to live and to raise a family. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
