Heaven’s gate has opened for our beloved, Johnny William “Yogi” Legrand. Servant of God, Husband, Grandfather, Great Grand-Father, Brother, Uncle, Friend. “Yogi” as he was affectionately known was born December 24, 1943 in Stanly County, North Carolina.
He was the son of the late Madge and Ruby Smith Legrand. Words are inadequate to express our profound loss as we say goodbye to a loving, kind and generous man. We were blessed to have shared him with family and friends; and we give thanks to Our Lord and Savior for his life.
Educated in the public schools of Stanly County, “Yogi” graduated in the Class of 1962, West Badin High School, Badin, North Carolina. He furthered his education at Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Shaw University, Raleigh, North. He earned his Master’s degree in counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
“Yogi” served his country honorably in the United States Army. Prior to retirement, he was employed for 22 years with the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salisbury, North Carolina. His last position was Minority Veteran Coordinator.
A renaissance man, “Yogi” was never idle, but involved in civic, community, church and family activities. A devoted member of McDonalds Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Badin, he was a former Pastor’s Steward, former Chairman of the Trustee Board and Leader of Leaders member. Well-loved, “Yogi” enjoyed people, spending time with family and friends, and having a lively conversation with everyone he encountered.
Favorite pastimes included playing card games and golfing. He was affiliated with various golf teams as he enjoyed ‘hitting the links’ every chance he could. Monday, June 25,2018, he joined others of faith and was called to his Eternal home to a place we are told is perfect in every way.
His parents and brothers: Milton H. Legrand and Arthur L. Legrand preceded him in death. “Yogi” and Martha Linton Legrand were a devoted couple who celebrated over 39 years of marriage. His life will forever be cherished and remembered by his loving wife, Martha L. Legrand, Salisbury; daughter, Gretta Legrand, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sons: Derrick (LaShell) Davis, Sr., Seattle, Washington and Makaius Funderburk, Albemarle; ten grandchildren: Isaiah, Jaden, Jason, Timothy, Ionna, Kamryn, Aaliyah, Tiffany, Asia, and Derrick, Jr.; five great grandchildren; brother, Charles (Reba Sue) Smith, Badin; sisters: Valerie Tyson, Badin, Gale Allen, Albemarle and Brenda (Alvester) Goode, Badin; brothers: Macy (Joanna) Hinson, Badin, North Carolina and Franco (Claudie) Goode, Greensboro, North Carolina; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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