Wilford Lee Johnson

Wilford Lee “Babe” Johnson of Beltsville, MD went home to the Lord and his Patsy on March 9th, 2025

at his home at the age of 93 with his family by his side.

Wilford, affectionately nicknamed Babe, was born in Goodwill, WV in July 1931 to Ina and Colin Johnson.

He grew up on Sinai Mountain with his two brothers Colin Junior and Thurman “Vester”, and sister, Sue.

He attended Bramwell High School and loved to play football, basketball, and baseball. After

graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force with his brother Vester and was stationed in Presque Isle, ME.

That is where he met the love of his life, Patsy at a dance at the Northeastland Hotel. He returned to

West Virginia after four years in the Air Force and Patsy went with him. They were married in December

1954 and had two daughters, Cathy and Sandra. They spent 66 wonderful years together until her

passing in 2020. Wilford started working for the National Security Agency in 1956 and retired in 1994.

He loved watching the Washington Redskins and was an avid golfer up until the age of 90.

Wilford is survived by his two daughters, Cathy Slaybaugh (Chris) and Sandra Matia (Bob), two

grandchildren, Jessica Daves (Stephen) and Jason Slaybaugh (Sofie), his great granddaughter Avery

Daves, and brother Vester (Dona), along with many nieces and nephews.

Wiford was pre-deceased by his wife Patsy, brother, Colin Junior, and his sister, Sue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at

www.Parkinson.org.