HENRY E. JOHNSON SR.

Posted

Henry E. Johnson Sr. departed this life on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at Palmetto Health Tuomey in Sumter.

Born on Aug. 8, 1930, in Sumter, he was the youngest of four children to Enoch and Abbie P. Johnson. Henry's Christian upbringing led him to Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Sumter, where he received Christ at an early age. He attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in Sumter in 1950 and then relocated to Brooklyn, New York. Henry worked at Able Steel Equipment Co. in Long Island, New York, until he was called for military duty in October 1951. He proudly served our country in the United States Army until December 1953. Upon his discharge, he returned to Able Steel Equipment Co., where he remained employed for 42 years.

On Jan. 31, 1954, Henry married his high school sweetheart, Sue Pringle, and this blessed union flourished for 64 glorious years. From this union, two children were born, Arna and Henry Jr.

Henry eluded laughter and life wherever he went. His sense of humor and laugh were infectious and his joyous spirit was contagious. He was the epitome of the definition of a "real man." Providing for his family was his number one priority, and he succeeded going above and beyond. If you were ever having a bad day, spending some time with Henry would surely turn it around. He was a past master of Hiram Lodge No. 23, P.H.A, Brooklyn.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Sadie Martin and Maggie Murray; his brother, Enoch Johnson Jr.; and his nephew, Lester Martin.

Henry leaves to cherish his unforgettable memories: his wife and soulmate, Sue Johnson; a loving daughter, Arna (George Kevin) Johnson-Britton; a son, Henry E. Johnson Jr.; granddaughter, Charice; grandson, Rendel; great-grandchildren, Zariah, Zoe and Isaiah; sister-in-law, Helen Riddick; special lifetime friends, Oscar Hopkins, Deacon G. Lawson and James Heyward; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and dear friends.

Public viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Job's Mortuary with Masonic Rites starting at 6 p.m.

Mr. Johnson will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Tuesday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Westend Community Church of Christ, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, Sumter.

The family will receive friends at the home, 2262 Kings Mountain Drive, Dalzell.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.