Johnnie Chuoke, Jr.

From high school, the US Navy called his name. On a weekend pass they got married. After four years in the Navy, he returned to join the family lumber business - Acme Lumber.

Finding his niche on live radio he joined DogWatch where he established a life-long friendship with Carl Wiglesworth. This radio show launched his career as the "Happy Handyman."

He continued that career on WOAI, KTSA, and KKYX radio stations. He also began writing DIY tips in the San Antonio Light, The Express News, and most recently the Houston Community papers. His passion and encouragement always kept him in demand at Texas Home & Garden Shows.

Acme Lumber was a family owned business that was established in 1949 by Johnnie Chuoke, Sr. Johnnie, Jr. took the helm in 1953, growing the retail business into 5 locations in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

Johnnie enjoyed attending hardware shows around the country to find the latest and greatest products that he could share with his customers to make their DIY projects easier. Johnnie made sure that when you entered his stores you were treated like you were "someone special".

After closing Acme Lumber in 2008, Johnnie decided that he was too young to retire so he purchased a hardware store and Johnnie Chuoke's Home and Hardware was born. Going to his hardware store was the highlight of his day, and his laughter brought a smile to every customer.

He attended First Baptist Church for 30 years where he was an ordained Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He attended Trinity Baptist Church for 15 years and most recently was a member of Community Bible Church. Johnnie's "happy place" was Lake McQueeney.

He loved his old cars, watching John Wayne movies, cheering on his Baylor Bears, and most of all his family. Johnnie's life was a reflection of his relationship with his Lord and Savior. His encouraging personality, his loving heart, and his contagious laughter was larger than life.

Survivors include, his wife, JoNell; daughters, Trudy LeSage and Kim Fields and husband, Phillip; grandchildren, Lindsay Chuoke, Mitchell Chuoke Fields, Westin Chuoke Fields and Mariah Fields; sister, Joann Huskey and husband, Bobby and relatives from Galveston, Texas City, and Houston.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Porter Loring North Chapel.

SERVICE

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015

10:00 A.M.

COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH

2477 N. LOOP 1604 EAST

Rev. Ray Jones will officiate.

The family will have a private burial at a later date.