Latta – Alex Hampton “Buddy” Johnson, 86, died Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 8, 2013, at Latta Baptist Church with visitation following the service at the Church. Private interment will be held at Magnolia Cemetery prior to the service. Kannaday Funeral Home in Latta is assisting the Family.
Mr. Johnson was born in Latta, SC, June 3, 1927, the son of the late Robert Lacy and Marguerite McCall Johnson. He graduated from Wake Forest University and earned a Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina. He was Principal of Latta Elementary and Latta High Schools from 1954 to 1976 until he moved to the School Bus Supervisor Position. He was proud to have been the coach of the 1966 State Champion Latta High School Red Raiders Baseball Team. He was very active in civic organizations, being a former member of the Latta Rotary Club and Latta Lion’s Club. He also was a Master Mason and a member of Dalcho Lodge in Latta, SC for over fifty years. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Navy. He was a member of Latta Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Choir. The Dillon Rotary Club named him Citizen of the Year in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Margaret “Mickey” Jane Alligood Johnson of the home; son, Alex H. Johnson, Jr. (Susan) of Latta, SC; daughter, Susan J. Wilson (Don) of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Carmen Wilson Higdon, Heather Johnson Gloria, Chrystal Johnson Skipper, Paul Anson Wilson, and Timothy Donald Wilson; seven great grandchildren; and brother, Dr. James “Jimmy” Johnson (Ellen) of Asheville, NC. He was predeceased by a brother, Gerald “Jerry” Johnson and a sister Peggy Altman.
The Family would like to give special thanks to the Staff of McLeod Hospice House and the Methodist Manor for the assistance and care they gave Mr. Johnson.
Memorials may be made to the Alex H. “Buddy” Johnson Scholarship Fund, c/o Latta High School, 618 North Richardson St., Latta, SC 29565 or Latta Baptist Church Building Fund, 202 North Marion St., Latta, SC 29565.
You may sign the online guestbook www.kannadayfuneralhome.com.
