Leslie James Johnson, 88

Leslie James Johnson of Smyrna, and formerly of Wilmington, St. Georges and New Castle, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was 88.

Mr. Johnson was born June 23, 1918, in Bridgeville, son of the late James and Mary (Willey) Johnson.

He had worked as a crane operator and truck driver/mechanic for Penndel Salvage in Wilmington for 45 years, retiring in 2003.

Mr. Johnson enjoyed working on cars, working with scrap metal, crabbing, clamming and fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Johnson; and a daughter, Pat Hilton.

He is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, Franklin and Rosie Johnson of Milford, William "Buzz" and Betty Johnson of Greenville, W.Va., Harold "Buddy" Johnson of Dover, and Ronald "Doc" Johnson, and his significant other, Tammy McGinnis, both of Harrington; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Mary Fuller of Indiana; Nancy and Joe Austin of Dover; Nancy and Danny Snidecki, Frances and Bruce Carey of Harrington, and Margaret and Eugene "Sonny" Savin of Clayton; 38 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions sent to the funeral home to help defray expenses.

Letters of condolences may be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.