Mr. Johnny Lee Johnson

Johnny Lee Johnson, 65, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 1959, he was the son of the late George Wiley Johnson and Mary Catherine Farr Johnson. Johnny’s unwavering love and commitment to his wife of 42 years Stephanie “Stevie” Jean Slovacek Johnson; selflessness as a father to two incredible men, Christopher and Patrick, and endless generosity for his family and friends was set to a soundtrack of impeccably curated music, the other great passion in Johnny’s life. His boundless positivity harmonizing with the infinite playlists, libraries, and emailed YouTube links he lovingly crafted and shared with us all. He was the greatest and most loyal fan, not only of his beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but of every endeavor his loved ones embarked on, always the most enthusiastic cheerleader. His legacy continues in the sons he raised, decades of memories from adventures, lessons, accomplishments, and love live on in them. He graduated from Morrow High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and his MBA from Indiana University. Johnny worked for over 40 years in engineering where his time was spent with Union Carbide in Houston, United Technologies/Carrier in Indianapolis, Ducane and lastly with Epting Distributors in Columbia, where he was employed until his death. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and the mentorships from the early years with Frank Hartman to currently with Jim Epting. Work relationships became friends. Johnny was a people person. Survivors include his wife, Stevie; sons, Christopher Johnson (Alina) and Patrick Johnson; adored sisters, Tammy Russell (Greg) and Lisa Hewitt (Rick) ; nieces and nephews, Morgan Russell, Callen Russell, Brennan Russell, Drew Preston and Dylan Preston (Ali); mother-in-law, Billie Jean Slovacek. Also left to miss Johnny are sisters-in law Jennifer Lintz, Sara Greene (Mark), Amy Bigham (Jim); nieces and nephews, Zachary Lintz, Katie Lintz, Anthony Lintz, Ben Greene, Ashleigh Weaver (Hunter), Tessa Crisler (Chris), Chloe Bigham (Mike Dunleavy) and great nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Claude and Mary Farr; and father-in-law, Anthony Slovacek. He was an active member of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church for nearly 20 years, serving on the technology/audio visual committee as well as a past Elder. The service for Mr. Johnson will be held at 1 o'clock on Friday, August 16th, at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church,125 Sparkleberry Ln, Columbia, SC, with the Rev. Dr. Jack Heinson officiating. The family asks that you consider wearing color to celebrate Johnny’s extraordinary positive zest for living. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Mr. Johnny Lee Johnson

May 16, 1959 - August 7, 2024