Edward Nelson Johnson, Sr

JOHNSON-Mr. Edward Nelson Johnson, Sr., age 84, of Graniteville, S.C. , loving husband for 61 years to Mary Ellen Leopard Johnson, entered into rest on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at his residence. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Steve (Candy) Johnson of Wilmington, N.C., Bruce Johnson and Eric (Jeana) Johnson both of Graniteville; three sisters, Mary (Bill) Youngblood of Aiken, Ethel Hatcher of Graniteville and his twin sister, Evelyn Napier of Warrenville; twelve grandchildren, Tiffany (Robert) Coleman, Tanya (Jerry) Odom, Gabe (Celisse) Moyer, Shannon Johnson, Brie Johnson, Sherri (Kenneth) Rich, Summer (Chas) Fare, Samantha (Mike) Bridges, Brandon (Sarah) Johnson, Stephanie (Adam Wilson) Johnson, Nelson Johnson and Payton Johnson; sixteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Edward Nelson Johnson, Jr. (Little Ed); two brothers, Ernest Johnson, Jr. and Thomas F. Johnson. He was born January 28, 1930 in Aiken County, S.C. He was the son of the late Ernest and Cloutezze Friday Johnson. He was a native of Graniteville and a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, where he served for many years as the Sunday School Superintendent. He was an active member of the Lutheran Men in Mission and served in numerous roles in the church. To all the children, he was fondly known as the “Bubble Gum” Man. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. He participated in the landing at Inchon and fought with the lst Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. As a drill instructor, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to Parris Island. At the end of his active duty service, Mr. Johnson continued his service as a member of the American Legion Post #77. A service, celebrating his life, will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Graniteville, S.C. on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Barry T. Antley officiating. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Military Honors accorded by the US Marine Corps. Ralph Abreo, Thomas E. Blitchington, N. L. Caprell, N. Wayne Fulmer, Ronnie D. Gordon and Hiram K. Redd will serve as active Pallbearers and all other members of the American Legion Post #77 will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday evening, December 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 200 Laurel Dr., Graniteville, S.C. 29829. Napier Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Main Street, Graniteville, S.C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. You can visit the online guest register at www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com.