TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF WILLIE JOHNSON OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Willie Johnson at the age of eighty-two on January 23, 2017; and

Whereas, born in Calhoun County on June 11, 1934, he was the son of the late Carrie Anderson, and he was educated in the Calhoun County public schools and graduated from Nassau Community College; and

Whereas, on January 10, 1959, Mr. Johnson and his beloved Susie Mae Lee were joined in holy matrimony, and together they reared a fine son, Ivan, who blessed them with four adoring grandchildren: Ashley, Melissa, Tyler, and Mekhi; and

Whereas, Mr. Johnson worked for several years in the garment district in New York City and was enlisted in the United States Army for three years. After his honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves for more than twenty years, reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class and retiring as an instructor for the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course and Maintenance in Motorcycling; and

Whereas, during his years in the Reserves, Mr. Johnson served as a bus driver for the New York City Transit Authority, and when he returned to South Carolina, he worked for Richland County School District 1 in transportation maintenance and continued his military service as a Captain in the South Carolina State Guard; and

Whereas, he established Empire Estates, a home development subdivision where he served as the president for over twenty-five years, and he was a member of the John Ford Association of St. Matthews; and

Whereas, devoted to his church, Mr. Johnson served more than twenty years as a deacon at Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church and volunteered for Meals on Wheels with the Orangeburg Council on Aging; and

Whereas, deeply involved in the Orangeburg community, was a longtime member of Concerned Citizens of Orangeburg County and was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Willie Johnson and for the example of dedication and kindness he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Willie Johnson of Orangeburg County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willie Johnson.