Eugene R. Johnson, Jr.

Mr. Eugene Russell "Gene" Johnson, Jr., age 77, of 412 Bogan Rd., Jonesville, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017, surrounded by his wife of 39 years, Phoebe. Gene struggled through several years of declining health from pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure. Gene was born in Greenville, July 8, 1939, a son of the late Ossie Miller and Eugene Russell "Tut" Johnson, Sr. He spent his young years in Ivor, VA, living with his grandmother Nanny Whitfield Johnson. After the death of his parents and grandmother, Gene continued to live in Ivor with Barbara Ann and Merrel Carr who he regarded as his adoptive parents. Gene attended schools in Wakefield and Ivor as well as Edwards Military Academy in North Carolina. He graduated from Wakefield High School and from Spartanburg Methodist College with a degree in criminal justice. Mr. Johnson worked for Clemson University in meat inspection and later in 1981 he began employment with the S.C Dept. of Corrections. There he served in many capacities to include Captain of Security, Training Officer and Firearms Instructor. He was also a past member of Hejaz Air Squadron and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Gene was a member of Bogansville United Methodist Church in West Springs. Surviving in addition to his wife are two step-sons, Matthew Lauren Shaw and wife Kara, and Christopher John Shaw and wife Allison; and his daughter-in-law, Jenny Rankin Johnson. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Eugene Russell Johnson, IV, Layton Foxworth Rankin, Kaysea Lauren Shaw, Taylor Austin Shaw, Madison Elizabeth Shaw and Emma Claire Shaw. Mr. Johnson was predeceased by two sons, Eugene Russell Johnson, III and Walter Todd Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, April 11,2017 at Bogansville United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Don Alexander. Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 3:00 Tuesday at the church prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bogansville United Methodist Church, Sound System Fund, 4052 Buffalo-West Springs Hwy., Jonesville SC 29353 or to a charity of one's choice.