PINEWOOD - Willie Edward Johnson, 76, husband of Reba Diane Pack Johnson, died Thursday, August 21, 2014, at his home.
Born June 28, 1938, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Ollie Lester "Rooster" Johnson and May Bell Johnson Johnson. He was a 1956 graduate of Pinewood High School and a veteran of the S.C. Air National Guard. He was a member of Pinewood Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday school secretary from age 14 to 68; he also served on the youth and the hostess committees of the church; he was an R.A. leader, a deacon and served as a trustee until his death. He was chosen as the Pinewood Baptist Outstanding Senior Adult in 2007.
Billy was a great husband, father and grandfather. He farmed for many years in Sumter and Clarendon Counties in a multi-generational farming operation with his grandfather, father, brother, son and grandson.
Survivors of Willie Edward Johnson besides his wife of 55 years include a daughter, Myra Elaine Smith of Sumter; a son, W.E. "Mickey" (Susanne) Johnson Jr. of Manning; four grandchildren, Anna Rebecca Smith, Lauren Elizabeth Johnson, Blanding Galloway Johnson and Myles Lee; a brother, Oldin Lamar "Bubba" (Iris) Johnson of Pinewood; three sisters, Thelma Mae (Tom) Baker and Margaret Ann (Raymond) McIntosh, both of Pinewood, and Rosa Lee Bradley of Sumter; and a number of special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant twin sons; two brothers in law, Charles Smith and Buddy Bradley; and a sister in law, Margaret White Johnson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Drs. Clay Lowder, Mark Crabbe and Vijay Pinto. Also special thanks to Amedisys Hospice Care for their compassion and loving help with Mr. Johnson. A very special thanks to a caregiver and friend, Sellarhea Jordan, and to the many family and friends who helped.
A funeral service for Willie Edward Johnson will be held a 3 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2014, in the sanctuary of Pinewood Baptist Church with the Rev. Kirk Carlisle and Rev. Bennie Barwick officiating. Burial will follow in Pinewood Cemetery.
David Harris, Paul Smith, Rodney Johnson, Brian Johnson, Larry Morse, Charles Henson, Jimmy Barwick and Israel "Sonny" Conyers will serve as pallbearers. Sam Piersin and the members of the Forever Young Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at Stephens Funeral Home.
The family request that memorials be made to Pinewood Baptist Church, P.O. Box 176, Pinewood, SC 29125.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, SC, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
