Col. John “Dave” David Johnson, Retired

March 16, 1945 - August 20, 2021

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest

6710 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

864-294-6415 |

Wednesday 8/25, 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest Chapel

6710 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

(864) 294-6415 |

Wednesday 8/25, 1:30 pm

Graceland Cemetery West

4814 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

Wednesday 8/25

Colonel John David “Dave” Johnson, Retired Chaplain, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 20, 2021, following an extended battle with cancer. His wife of 45 years, Rita Porter Johnson, and his beloved cocker spaniels, London and Lizabeth, were by his side. He was predeceased by his father and mother, the Reverend Clyde and Lois Davis Johnson, and brother James Johnson (Linda).

Dave was a graduate of Travelers Rest High School, Furman University (BA), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M Div), and Clemson University (M Ed). He was a Credentialed Addictions Counselor with the SC Probation, Pardon and Parole services, and retired from the 13th Circuit Solicitors Officer Drug Court. He served his country with pride for more than 32 years, first in the United States Air Force and later as a Protestant Chaplain with the SC National Guard, until he retired as a Colonel in 2005. He also served several churches as a pastor and authored a book, Three Revelations of God, in 2018.

He was a member of Berea First Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by siblings Sara Jo Cowan, Mac Johnson (Linda) and Roy Johnson (Francis).

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, From 12:30 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest with a funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery West. Lee Buford and Chaplain (Col. Ret.) William R. Yown will be officiating.

Family and friends who are unable to attend can view the service by clicking on the Live Stream link located on Dave’s obituary page at www.thomasmcafee.com.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road. Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” on the main obituary page.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest

6710 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

864-294-6415 | Map

Wednesday 8/25, 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest Chapel

6710 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

(864) 294-6415 | Map

Wednesday 8/25, 1:30 pm

Graceland Cemetery West

4814 White Horse Road

Greenville, SC 29611

Map

Wednesday 8/25

See Condolences

Rita, I was doing some Ancestry research and stumbled upon Dave's obituary. I am so very sorry! He was such an awesome guy. He was my pastor and Herb Tyson and my wedding. He was the pastor at Grandmother Cile's funeral. I remember his smile and laugh. I moved back to South Carolina, in Duncan. I don't want to put my phone number here, so please email me with your phone number so we can talk. Again, so very sorry. Lisa lisamickler1972 @ gmail.com

So sorry to hear about Dave...he was one of the best and I regret not staying in touch! I attended NGU because of Dave and he was very helpful. When he left NGU, I put him in touch with Doyle Kay of Easley and that is how he got into counseling with SC Probation, Pardon & Parole Services.

So sorry for your loss. We will miss him! We loved seeing you guys when you brought London and Lizabeth in for grooming. ? you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Aunt Rtia, This was such a beautiful service. I am so sorry I couldn't be there. You are in my prayers. -Melody Johnson

I was so sorry to hear about Dave. He was a very kind person and I know you all will miss him terribly, but he is no longer suffering. I pray for peace for you, Rita, and your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Col. John “Dave” David Johnson, Retired, Terry Estes lit a candle

I served as a Chaplain with Dave in the SCARNG. He was always encouraging to me by his advice and humor. We were both SBC endorsed. We played golf a few times and shared many times of fellowship in Christ. I enjoyed our phone conversations after he retired. I will miss him. CH (COL) Lawrence Dennis

Rita, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I never met Dave but I felt like I knew him through all the kind words you spoke about him every time we spoke at Tj Maxx. All my love, Kellyn

Dave was such a nice man. I met him years ago when I worked with his wife Rita at the Hallmark Store in Easley. Rita was so proud of him and he was so proud of her. I could always tell how much they loved and cared for each other just by talking to them. Praying for you Rita as you continue without Dave just cherish all the good memories that you two shared and he is with the Lord now and healed of all his pain. Love you

I was very blessed to have worked with Dave for many years at probation in Greenville. He was a great counselor, servant of the Lord and a great patriot of our country. Blessings to all the family. JB

Rita & family. Please accept our sympathy in the death of David. We are so sorry to learn of this. God bless you as you adjust in the coming days.

In memory of (Col. Ret) John “Dave” David Johnson, Cathy Gilstrap lit a candle

My heart is broken losing Uncle Dave. I am happy knowing he is with the Lord he served so well and with Granddaddy and Grandmother as well as many others. He has been a tremendous help and comfort to me especially the last number of years. He loved helping others and will be dearly missed.

We will miss your company at the backyard fence Dave…. I know you will make heaven a more beautiful place with your gardening skills. I will talk to London and Elizabeth when they are outside. And know we will watch over Rita for you too! We will miss you….. rest my friend, your battle has been won!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.