Lattis Merrimon "Merm" Johnson, III, age 88, of Oak Island, NC passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, "Brunswick House" following a time of declining health.

Born in Greensboro, NC on September 2, 1937, Merm as he was affectionately known was one of three children born to the late Lattis Merrimon Johnson, Jr and Katherine Walker Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Lattis Merrimon Johnson, IV, a sister, Kay Johnson, and two very special cousins, John Miller and Charles Miller.

Merm attended Duke University and played football during his time there. He was also a proud veteran and served in the US Marine Corps Reserves. He loved to watch Duke Basketball and was an avid golfer and fisherman.

Surviving are his loving wife of 35 years, Shirley M. Johnson; a daughter, Carroll Johnson Perry; a sister, Anne J. Lanning and three nephews, Michael Lanning, Steve Lanning and Chris Lanning.

Graveside services in the Forest Lawn Cemetery "Johnson Family Plot", Greensboro, NC on April 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

The family requests with gratitude that donations be made in his name to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, "Brunswick House", 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422 or www.lifecare.org.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service

Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Brunswick House
955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia NC 28422
Web: http://www.lifecare.org