Danie Arthur Johnson

Danie Arthur Johnson, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, on March 1, 2025 following a brief illness. Danie was born to Henry Arthur and Alice Rebecca Simpson Johnson, on January 1, 1947 in Wilmington, NC. The family moved to Asheville, NC in 1950. After graduating from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1965, Danie attended Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1970. Returning to Asheville, Danie met the love of his life, Mary Louise Cocke, and the two were married in 1974. They later welcomed their three children and made their home beside Beaver Lake in North Asheville. Danie founded his private architectural firm, Danie A. Johnson, FAIA/Architect, in 1974 and enjoyed a successful career in commercial and residential architecture. An active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), he represented the South Atlantic Region on the AIA National Board of Directors from 1996 to 1998, received the Richard Upjohn Fellowship from the AIA in 1998, and advanced to Fellowship in the Institute in 2001. Danie was also active in the North Carolina chapter of the AIA, serving in multiple capacities throughout his career, including chapter president in 1992. He received the chapter’s Richard Dietrick Service Medal in 1997. Danie’s professional contributions went beyond the many commercial properties and private homes he designed that dot the landscape of North and South Carolina. He was a member of the Leadership Asheville inaugural class in 1982 and served on the Board of Directors for the Nature Society, Inc. (1982-1986) and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (1989-1990). He was Vice Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Asheville (1986-1991) and served on the Architects Advisory Board for the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (1984-1997). When not seated behind the drafting board, Danie could be found on the golf course, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and going out of his way to make someone feel special. Danie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou; and his sister, Amy R. Johnson. He is survived by his children, Megan Whelen (Jim), Sally Pitts (Jack) and Craig Johnson (Lillian); his grandsons, Colin, Connor, Daniel and Nolan; his siblings, Fran Harris, Jimmy Johnson, and David Johnson; his brother-in-law, Phil Cocke, and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Riverside Cemetery, 53 Birch Street, Asheville. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choosing. The family would like to thank the staff at Mission Hospital for their compassionate care in his final days. Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., is honored to be caring for Danie’s family. Condolences may be sent through the website, www.MorrisFamilyCare.com

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Danie Arthur Johnson

January 1, 1947 - March 1, 2025