Edgar Mack Johnson

JOHNSON, Edgar Mack - Mack was born in Portland, Oregon, on November 27, 1922, to Joseph and LaVerna (Wilson) Johnson. Joe Johnson was stationed in Portland during WWI, but later moved his wife and two young boys back to his home town of Lake City, Florida, and eventually to Jacksonville, where Mack graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. His long and varied career began when he worked with his father building homes in Jacksonville, serving as a general contractor by the age of 16. He became a draftsman for the Army Corps of Engineers and helped with the planning of the Intracoastal Waterway, after which he enlisted with the Army Air Corps and became a pilot, stationed in Europe and flying troop transport planes during WWII. After the war, he rejoined Joe E. Johnson and Sons and built several more homes in Jacksonville. In the mid-1950s, he joined Prudential Insurance Company as a special agent. He earned the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter (equivalent to a graduate degree in academia) and served as president of the Jacksonville CLU chapter, retiring from Prudential as an agent emeritus.

In his personal life, Mack was a devout Christian and Bible scholar, teaching Bible studies from the age of 16 until illness overtook him at 91. He was a dedicated member of Murray Hill Baptist Church for almost 60 years and spent many hours teaching Bible study and building projects for the church or members in need, eventually being designated Deacon Emeritus. He was a wonderful father to his two girls, helping with so many Girl Scout camping trips that he was designated an honorary “card-carrying” Girl Scout (he would happily show you the card). His grandfathering skills were second to none and all of his “millennial” grandchildren loved spending time with him.

Mack transitioned from this life to the next around noon on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, after three years of battling several major physical challenges. Awaiting him were his parents; brother, Warren; sister, Theresa and precious granddaughter, Joy Norwood. Those who remain to grieve the loss and celebrate his legacy are: his loving wife, Freda Sanders Johnson; daughters, Myra Jo Johnson and Melinda Jill Norwood; grandchildren, Zarak Khan, Jana Khan and Graham Norwood; sister Carol O’Brien; nephew, James Heaney (Deborah); great nephews,Christopher and Michael Heaney, their spouses and children; numerous other nieces, nephews and friends . He fought the good fight, kept the faith and has entered into the joy of his Lord. May we all be as well-loved as Mack Johnson.

A memorial event will take place on Saturday, July 22, at 2:30 PM, at Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post Street, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Murray Hill Baptist Church in honor of Mack.