Gary Ananias Johnson

February 13, 1946 - January 24, 2021

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Gary Ananias Johnson, 74, husband of Phyllis Johnson, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Born in Wellford, SC, he was the son of the late Vance and Doris Gardner Johnson.

Mr. Johnson enjoyed a career as Office Manager of Engineering in the Maintenance of Way Department with Norfolk Southern Railway. Known for his love of fast classic cars, he had a 1961 Ford Starliner in candy apple red. Raised on a farm, Gary loved horses and his pet pig, Suzie, who was the State Fair Championship Pig. Most of all, he loved his family and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his new grandson in the coming weeks.

In 2011, Gary received a double lung transplant at Duke University, which gave him a new appreciation of life; thus, blessing his family with an additional decade of love, laughter, and jokes.
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his son, Dustin Johnson, his daughter, Mitzi Johnson Parkin (Thomas), his sister, Barbara Ann Byars (Gerald), as well as many loving nephews and a niece.

Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Nathan Johnson.

The family has chosen to honor Gary's life with a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lung Transplant Foundation, www.lungtransplantfoundation.org.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family on the "Tribute Wall" tab above.

Gary Ananias Johnson, 74, husband of Phyllis Johnson, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021. Born in Wellford, SC, he was the son of the late Vance and Doris Gardner Johnson. Mr. Johnson enjoyed a career as Office Manager of Engineering in the Maintenance of Way Department with Norfolk Southern Railway. Known for his loveContinue Reading

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In memory of Gary Ananias Johnson, Jennie Gault lit a candle

My sweet Gary,
I remember the first time I saw you. You were a slim trim sixteen year old. Sporting the hair style of the day, a fresh clean “crew cut,”
and a huge smile plastered across your handsome face. You made my heart sing, just as it does today when I recall that day.
That was the beginning of “Our story “ together. Your valiant strength, good looks, your positive nature, your laughter and humour was impossible to resist.

You were my rock. You took me on a journey through life, that created many loving and happy memories. We loved sitting outside watching the rain and the lightning crackle. Sitting in the grass with a cool iced tea, as we gazed out on our freshly mowed lawn, admiring our handiwork . Watching our busy baby boy grow up to be a strong young man. Watching our sweet baby daughter grow into a beautiful independent woman who Is now carrying our grandson.

Whether it was accepting life’s difficult challenges and over coming the odds or embracing our wondrous adventures, I treasure every moment we spent together.

We grew up and we grew old together. It was a true love story.
I Love you sweetheart,

I'm so sorry Phyllis to hear of Gary's passing. Will keep you in my prayers.

GARY WAS A VERY GOOD NEIGHBOR AND WE WILL MISS SEEING HIM ESPECIALLY SITTING IN HIS GARAGE AND WAVING WHEN WE WOULD PASS BY. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO PHYLLIS AND CHILDREN--

Phyllis and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jane Wall

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

Dear Phyllis and family
I was so sad to hear of. Gary’s passing .I can’t find the words to express my thoughts to all of you. I know he was a fine man husband and father. I know how much you loved him Phyllis
And will miss him .I’m so glad u had him an extra time after his problem years ago .
You all are in my prayers.

Phyllis,Dustin and Mitzi, we cannot express our sadness at the passing of Gary. Only Gary could fill that particular spot he created in our lives
From being my special bus driver , to marrying my best friend, to fun times at the beach, no one will ever take his place in our hearts. Please know that all of you are in our prayers at this time. We love you dearly and are here for you always.

Phyllis, We are so sorry for your loss. You and Gary were wonderful neighbors for the 22 years we lived in the Twin Lakes community together. You and Gary welcomed us with open arms when we moved to Driftwood Drive. We have many fond memories of working and serving together on the Twin Lakes Board of Directors. You and Gary had such a loving heart toward our community, always willing to serve others to make Twin Lakes such a wonderful place to live. May God bless and comfort your heart.

Phyllis, So sorry for this great loss to your family. Prayers for you now and for the coming days

To the Johnson family, Gary was a good friend through high school. Well mannered, bright, and fun to be around. My condolences go to you all. Sounds like he was a real warrior as a man. RIP old friend.

So sorry for your loss!! Prayers for your family!

Gary was a funny kid. A jokester so to speak. He was always pulling pranks on me as a kid. A bit mischievous but always laughing and making us laugh. It was very sad knowing how much he suffered. Such a good guy. I know he will be missed by his friends and family but he is with family again. Rest peacefully Cuz. I'll see you on the other side someday. I love you

Mitzi and family - Thinking of your family during this time of loss. What a strong man, may he be in peace now.

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