Martin (Marty) Edward Johnson

Martin (Marty) Edward Johnson, 77, of Lexington, South Carolina, died Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home. Born September 11, 1949, in Columbia, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Frances C. DeMates.

Marty was a 1967 graduate of Dentsville High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 until 1974, attaining the rank of E-4. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long career with Southern Bell, later BellSouth, retiring in 2002 after 30 years of dedicated service. During his career, he spent 28 years as a service technician and two years as an outside service technician. He also served as president of the BellSouth Pioneers.

Few things brought Marty more joy than motorcycles and the open road. He rode motorcycles for 65 years, including 51 years on Harley-Davidsons, and traveled by motorcycle through all but a few states. His passion for riding led to many years of involvement and leadership within the motorcycle community. He served as director of the Central South Carolina H.O.G. Chapter for two years and was one of two founding members of the original chapter at Harley Haven. He later served one year as director of the Columbia H.O.G. Chapter at Kirby’s Harley-Davidson and was a charter member of the Thunder Riders H.O.G. Chapter at Thunder Tower.

Marty was also a member of American Legion Post 6 and the American Legion Riders. For eight years, he served as a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, honoring fellow veterans and their families through a mission that reflected his deep respect for service and country.

Throughout his life, Marty enjoyed sports, dirt bikes, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and cheering for the South Carolina Gamecocks. His life and travels also took him to Japan, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina. Above all, however, Martin loved his family, especially his wife and the life they shared together.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Stork Johnson; his two daughters, Traci Ann Smith (Lonnie) and Angela Rose Stutts; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances C. DeMates; and his siblings; Jeanie Johnson Cooper, Steven Ronald Johnson and Sheri Blease.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30PM on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 until 1:30PM. Interment with military honors will follow at 3:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Riders Post 6, 200 S Pickens St. #6 Columbia, SC 29205 or South Carolina Patriot Guard Riders.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.