By Charlotte Smith
What is the fitting tribute for a formidable attorney renowned for his excellent communication and litigation skills? The answer is a royal roast, generously seasoned with biting wit.
On March 19, 2024, the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, along with Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, Inc., organized a dinner at the newly established Town Square in Bladenboro to celebrate Attorney William Leslie Johnson, Jr.’s notable business achievements and his dedicated service to Bladen County’s citizens. Rather than the usual toasts and cheers, they opted for a lighthearted roast in his honor.
Aunt B’s Country Kitchen catered the meal, with desserts later served at Over Yonder Coffee, Teas, and Creamery.
Upon his arrival, an unsuspecting Johnson was taken aback by the celebration in his honor. Charles Ray Peterson, Chairman of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, and Chuck Heustess from the Bladen County Economic Development Commission greeted him with a playful heads-up: “Brace yourself for the roast,” they said, sharing a smile.
Heustess commenced the evening with a surprise revelation. “Leslie, we told you this was a very important meeting about things we have done in the past and some things we have to do in the future. Actually, tonight, you will become the fifth person to be awarded the Bladen County Lifetime Achievement Award.”
In 1985, Johnson co-founded Johnson & Johnson Attorneys at Law P.L.L.C. with Thomas M. Johnson, developing a comprehensive legal firm in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Heustess shared anecdotes of Johnson not just as a shrewd businessman but as a dedicated family man, having inspired all his sons to pursue law and consistently doting on his wife and daughter.
The law firm has flourished under Johnson’s stewardship, growing to include his sons: S. Weston Johnson, William L. Johnson, III, and Allen M. Johnson.
Heustess described the honoree as a cornerstone of the community who champions local schools, supports youth activities, and extends a helping hand to the less fortunate.
As the evening progressed, various community leaders shared their reasons for Johnson’s accolade through humor-laden roasts instead of toasts.
Peterson first humorously recounted their challenges in recruiting Cape Fear Valley Health to the area. During one meeting with Cape Fear Valley Health representatives, Peterson recalled reminding Johnson to “hush” because he had no vote. Laughing, Peterson said, “Cape Fear Valley has been with us ever since.”
Next up, former County Manager Greg Martin added to Peterson’s commentary, noting Johnson would seemingly deliberately mispronounce one of Cape Fear Valley’s attorney’s names to “just get under his skin.”
Martin also went down memory lane, giving perspective on Johnson’s personality. Martin explained that parking spaces were limited years ago at the courthouse, and Johnson would show up pressed for time. “He would pull up in his new dually in the back parking lot, and pull up on the curb, and park at the back door. It is hilarious to me because no one else could get away with it.”
Ending with admiration for Johnson, Martin highlighted some of Johnson’s virtues, such as his proactive nature, exceptional communication skills, family pride, and perseverance.
County Commissioner Ray Britt walked up to the podium for the next round of the roast. Britt recalled a meeting with Johnson involving the North Carolina State Board of Elections and the State’s three attorneys. Britt said, “Leslie looked at them and looked back at me and said, ‘This is what you call “home cooking.”‘ Britt said, “I’d never heard that saying before. After a fifteen-minute discussion with the State officials, the dispute with the state board ended in Bladen County’s favor. Britt recalled Johnson saying, “Let’s get the hell out of here before they change their minds.”
Britt ended his comments, saying, “But we came out good that day, and I appreciate Leslie.”
While Heustess ended the roast by jesting with off-color humor, the message was clear, “Don’t question Leslie’s tactics.”
Heustess put the jokes aside and applauded Johnson’s decisive approach to legal challenges and his invaluable contributions to Bladen County’s economic and civic life.
Noting partnerships that Johnson has played a crucial role in, such as Cape Fear Valley-Bladen County Hospital and other significant county projects, the officials celebrated Johnson as a cornerstone of Bladen County’s legal services.
Upon receiving the award, a modest Johnson expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “It has been an honor and a privilege.”
As he eases into a slower pace, Johnson’s sons now carry the firm’s legacy. His youngest son, Allen, shared that despite stepping back, Johnson remains a daily fixture in the office, ensuring its seamless operation.
The esteemed group of Bladen County Lifetime Achievement Award recipients welcomes Johnson, joining the ranks of Nelson Squires, Houston Brisson, David Clark, and Mac Campbell.
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