THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, November 2, 1944
Ed Johnson, 66, one of Flagler County's outstanding citizens, died suddenly from a heart attack Tuesday morning at his home on Ocean Shore Boulevard north of Flagler Beach. His death was not unexpected, however, since he had been in ill health for a number of months but remained active until his death.
For 31 years he was actively identified with the business, social and political activities of Flagler County. He was a native of Tennessee, coming to Bunnell in 1912 where he entered the contracting and building business here when the town was in its infancy. In fact, he was president of the first town council of Bunnell.
A few years later he acquired a large tract of property north of Flagler Beach and moved his family to a home he built there. Later he built up a fair sized community near this location and a few years ago moved several miles farther north and built the present home.
He served as county superintendent of public instruction from December 1918 to January 1, 1921; as tax assessor from 1920 to 1924; and as a member of the board of county commissioners for a period of ten years, January 1929 to January 1939.
He also was a moving factor in creation of the Ocean Shore Improvement District which was created to build the present Ocean Shore Boulevard from St. Augustine to Daytona Beach, he serving as chairman of the trustees of the district for 10 years.
He was chairman of the Flagler County Selective Service Board since its inception in October 1940, attending its regular session last Saturday although he confided to other board members that he was very apprehensive regarding his health.
Not only was he a well known figure in politics but he was extensively engaged in farming, building and general contracting, erecting and owning some of the best business building in Bunnell in addition to building for others. For many years he was owner of the Bunnell Hardware Company.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Johnson of Flagler Beach; one daughter, Mrs. R. H. Townsend of Long Beach, Calif.; two sons, Malcolm L. of Tampa, and Philip S. of Flagler Beach; one sister, Mrs. H. H. McWhirter of Long Beach, Calif.; two brothers, J. E. of Delray Beach, Fla., and Howard of Douglas, Arizona. Surviving also are three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held today at the graveside in Hope Cemetery, with Rev. W. K, McClure, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bunnell, officiating, and Baggett, Wetherby & McIntosh Funeral home of Daytona Beach in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were O. F. Alford, G. L. Biddle, W. E. Kudrna, J. F. Mercer, T. E. Holden and W. H. Wells.
