Rev. S. L. Johnson (USA Retired)

On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, God was looking down from His great, high heaven, looking down on all His children and His eye fell on Rev. S. L. Johnson (affectionately known as “My Honey” and “PaPa”). God dispatched His angels to St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Georgia to bring S. L. home. He is not dead; he is resting in the bosom of Jesus. The Celebration of Life and Legacy will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, June 3, 2013 at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, 222 Third Avenue, Columbus, Georgia where Rev. J. H. Flakes, III is pastor. Rev. Kenneth Jelks will officiate, with Rev. Zachary Powell serving as the eulogist. Interment will full military honors will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 3 – 5 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2013 at Striffler Hamby Funeral Home, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia.

Rev. Johnson was born September 9, 1939 in Pecan City, Georgia to the late Mr. James Johnson and Mrs. Rozella Johnson Wimberley. He was the only child born to this union, a SPECIAL child who grew up to be a very SPECIAL man.

Rev. Johnson received his primary and secondary education in the Dougherty County School System. At Monroe High School, he earned the reputation of being one of the best dressed young men in the school. He continued that fine tradition throughout his 73 years. Rev. Johnson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Resources from Troy State University, Phenix City, Alabama/Fort Benning, Georgia.

In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army and served faithfully as his military career took him around the world to Saudi Arabia, Italy, Ethiopia, Germany, Vietnam and other posts. As a Korean Conflict and Vietnam War veteran, he earned the following military awards and honors: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Overseas Service Bars and Aircraft Crewman Badge.

After 23 years in the Army, he retired in 1976 as a Staff Sergeant but soon found his way back to Fort Benning as a civil service employee. After retiring from civil service, he found his way back to Fort Benning, again, as an employee of defense contractor ITT Exelis. He was at peace on a military installation. Every Saturday morning found him at the Fort Benning Commissary buying grocery and fellowshipping with his Army buddies over a cup of strong Army coffee.

On May 24, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Josie Belle Malone. To their union were born two daughters Rev. Darlene Porter Small (Rev. Frederick) and Kathryn Faniel Houston. The joy of his latter days were his grandchildren Dr. Jake J. Porter (Megan), Robert Allen Porter, Kimberley Faniel Jackson and Kellye Jo Faniel and his great-grandchildren Kameron Dwayne Jackson, Kayleigh Denise Jackson and Korianna Mungin. Anybody who knew S. L., knew that he loved his wife of 57 years and spoke often of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rev. Johnson was a dedicated member of the Mount Tabor Baptist Church, #2 Shepherd Court, Columbus, Georgia. During over 50 years of membership, he served as a Sunday School teacher, chairman of the Deacon Board, Baptist Training Union teacher and an associate minister, licensed and ordained by Rev. John Mabry, then Pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church.

He was a proud brother of Omega Psi Phi, Inc.

Rev. Johnson was a kind-hearted man and “what you saw was what you got”. He loved his family and leaves them to treasure the memory of a true husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – not without fault or failure – but always with love. Other surviving family members include a host of loving in-laws and cousins, aunts and uncles.