Jesse Leavell Johnson Jr

Jesse Levell Johnson, Jr. (Vell) passed away on July 14, 2021, at the age of 67. He is preceded in death by his father, Jesse Leavell Johnson, Sr., his mother, Alene True Johnson, his sister, Jeanne Stephens, his nephew, Kevin Michalk, his niece, Shannon Chandler Ryan, and great nephew, Nick Hanson.

Vell got South Texas black dirt in his blood early in life. The Johnson’s were farmers and spent their vacation time working the planting and harvest seasons. Vell learned from his father and followed his dad’s footsteps in the farming industry after his dad passed away when he was a senior in high school. Thanks to the help of many local farmers, they set him on the right track to become a successful farmer.

An athlete at Bishop High School in the early 1970s, he came to love and enjoy playing and watching the Bishop Badger and Texas A&I teams (along with the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team). This interest led him to coach MANY young players in Little League Baseball and Pee Wee Football, and Brush Country Softball. Vell believed in starting them young to develop specific skills.

Vell worked for Helena Chemical Company for 20 years and earned the Top Applicator of the Year award numerous times. After his retirement from Helena, he became an avid griller. He often tried new recipes on the grill for family and friends around the Sunday dining table.

Vell leaves behind, his wife of 45 years, Pam. Their two children, Clayton, following in his footsteps, and Jenny, the adventurous one. Also, his siters, Eileen Hanoch and Jaynne Bunch, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed in his family, church, and community.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bishop, Tx. A Memorial Service will be held on August 14, 2021 at 12p.m. at Restland Cemetery in Bishop Texas.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, Texas 78363.