Michael Allen Johnson, Sr., affectionately known to many as Mike, passed away peacefully at his home in the Wilson Community of Manning, SC, on Monday, March 25, 2024. He was 74 years old. Born in Sumter, SC, on October 22, 1949, Mike was the devoted son of the late Julian Sanders Johnson, Sr. and the late Sadie Mae Holladay Johnson.
A proud alumnus of Manning High School, Mike graduated in the Class of 1967 before embarking on a career that showcased his diverse talents and steadfast work ethic. He contributed his skills as a bridge surveyor to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and served his country with honor as a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Mike’s professional journey continued at the Ramada Inn in Ram Bay, where his dedication led him from a desk clerk to the role of manager, overseeing both the hotel and its restaurant with a warm and welcoming demeanor.
Mike ran a framing crew for poles at Santee Pole & Piling. He remained with the company until its closure, at which point he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as tending to his garden. Mike was known for his green thumb, particularly his ability to cultivate a bountiful harvest of okra, watermelons, cabbage, corn, and peas, which he generously shared with family and friends. Mike could be found most days, at a local coffee hangout, meeting new people and visiting with friends.
An active member of Union United Methodist Church at Wilson, Mike’s faith was a central part of his life. He lived his beliefs through acts of kindness and community involvement, touching the lives of many within his church family.
Mike’s legacy of love and care is carried on by his cherished son, Michael Allen Johnson, Jr. (Parker) of Manning; his adored grandchildren, Michael Allen Johnson III and Jack Walters Johnson; his brother, Aubrey Johnson (Miriam) of Manning; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Simon of Columbia. Mike also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
His passing was preceded by his sisters, Barbara Anne Johnson and Ethel Elaine Simon, and his brothers, William Seth Johnson, Julian Sanders Johnson, Jr., Thomas Clyde Johnson, and Raymond LeRoy Johnson.
Each of them shared a chapter in the story of Mike’s life, and their memories remain a comfort to those who knew and loved them.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate Mike’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Wilson Community Cemetery. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. John Newell, who will share words of comfort and hope with friends and family.
The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service and other times at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, 302 Sunset Drive, Manning. It is an opportunity for those who knew Mike to share stories, laughter, and tears, remembering a man whose impact on their lives will not be forgotten.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Robert Eagerton, Kari Hughes McDonald, RN, and the team at McLeod Health Hospice for their exceptional love and care during Mike’s final days.
Mike had a deep love for animals and the family ask that all memorials be made to A Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 607, Manning, SC 29102.
Arrangements are entrusted to Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, and further information can be found at their website, www.stephensfuneralhome.org.
In the life of Michael Allen Johnson, Sr., we find a tapestry woven with threads of dedication, service, and an unwavering love for those around him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a beacon of kindness in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
