ROCKLAND — Frank L. “Lee” Johnson III, 54, died peacefully April 27, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, following an extended illness, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Springfield, Mass., on April 17, 1962, he was the son of Frank II and Eleanor Emery Johnson. As a young boy, Frank moved with his family to Maine. Although the family lived for a brief time in Camden, he has always considered Rockland his home. He is considered a bit of a celebrity; there aren't many people in town who would not know “Frank Johnson” if you mentioned his name; or his “partners in crime,” his brothers, Kenny and Andy. The three brothers were and are inseparable.

Frank was educated locally, and was a 1981 graduate of Rockland High School. Following high school Frank worked many different jobs. He did not however simply jump from job to the next. When Frank put his mind to something, he went after it with his whole heart. Over the years he has held licenses as a journeyman electrician, a lobster fisherman captain, tractor trailer truck driver, certified nursing assistant, diver, chef and prison guard. He has also worked on roofing crews with Eric Wass, as well as cement crews helping to build the new Lowe's building and McDonalds in Rockland. Frank was truly a “Jack-of-all-trades.” He could do anything he put his mind to and he did it well.

Frank lived life to the fullest. As a younger man he loved to go rollerskating. His son remarked that Frank taught him to roller skate just about the same time he learned to walk. Frank was also a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, and even considered trying out for the team at one point in his life.

Frank was best known for his personality. He loved to joke around and have fun; however he loved nothing more than to pull one over on someone, always keeping people guessing. Under his sometimes gruff exterior was a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone in need, often literally giving the shirt off his back or his last $5. He was outgoing and friendly, making friends easily wherever he went. His wife remembers he got to know and made friends with their neighbors immediately after joining her in Florida, where she had already been living for several months without even knowing their names.

His own family was his number one priority. He loved being a father to his four sons and took great joy in family cookouts and beach outings. Not only did he love his brothers, he had a particularly special bond with his sister-in-law, Belinda. The trust, respect and love they had for each other made them more like siblings than in-laws. Frank’s heart was big enough for “family” from all around. He served proudly as a soldier in the Salvation Army and had a deep love for his family there.

Frank's passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of his many friends, the community in which he lived and his loving family.

Predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Johnson Carter; his son, Justin L. Johnson; and a grandson, Austin Mark Johnson; Frank is survived by his father, Frank L. Johnson II and his wife, Pat, of Springfield, Mass.; his wife, Faith Lane Johnson of Rockland; his sons, Frank L. Johnson IV and his wife, Jessie, of Cushing, and Zachary A. Johnson and Alec L. Johnson, both of Rockland; his brothers, Kenneth Johnson and his wife, Karla, of Rockland, Andy Johnson and his wife, Belinda, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Rockland, and Stephen Lemire, and Wayne Lemire and his wife, Denise, all of Springfield, Mass.; a sister, Season Johnson of Springfield, Mass.; his grandchildren, Elijah Z. Johnson, Kadence S. Johnson, Sophie M. Long and Jordan Long; his mother-in-law, Patricia G. Lane of Rockland; his former wife, Laurie Haynes of Cushing; special friends whom he considered brothers, Patrice Simms, Roger Ames, Jim Coccia and Mike Burns; a large circle of extended family members on the Carter side; as well as far too many friends to count.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 27 Payne Ave. in Rockland, where a celebration of life will be held Tuesday, May 3, at 6 p.m. Capt. Elizabeth Bink will officiate. A reception gathering will be held immediately following the service.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.