Samuel Leon Johnson, III was born on July 24, 1955 in Anniston, Alabama to the parentage of  Samuel Leon Jr. and Willie Johnson. He received his education in Anniston, Alabama and was a graduate of Cobb High School. Leon was a very gifted artist and did a portrait of himself just by looking in the mirror.

He said his good-byes to this world and we hope to see him again on the other side. Those left to cherish his memory are: a long time companion, Anna Tripp; his sisters, Charlotte A. Buchanan and Sandri D. Johnson; his brother, John E. Phillips, William T. Land and Eric T. Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.