Saluda, SC

Julian Carson (J.C.) Johnson, 96, passed away in Saluda on January 1, 2017. He followed his beloved wife of 67 years, Joye Grigsby Johnson, 91, who predeceased him on December 30, 2016. He was one of 6 children of Willie Piper Johnson and Elizabeth Bowers Johnson.

During WWII J.C. served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, which participated in the Battle of the Atlantic and the North African Invasion. After the war and until his death, he was a proud member of the American Legion Post 65. Following the war he met and married his love, Joye Grigsby. Together they built their lives in Saluda, raising 3 children.

From the late 1940s, he and his brother were owners of the Shell Oil distributorship in Saluda. In the late 1970s, he retired and then spent many years farming. In 2007 he was selected as the Forest Landowner of the Year by the Saluda County Forestry Association. He enjoyed gardening as well as being an avid outdoorsman and skillful craftsman.

His service to the community was reflected in his 57 years of involvement in the Saluda Lions Club, an organization very important to him. He was also an active and dedicated charter memberof the Saluda Historical Society. He had a deep love for St. Paul United Methodist Church where he was a member for over 60 years. In addition, his quiet,anonymous acts of kindness touched many lives.

J.C. is survived by his children Julia (Joe) Taylor, Carson (Andrea) Johnson, and Gena (Bob) Ramos as well as their grandchildren Torri Taylor (Scot) O'Bryan, Andrea Taylor (Tommy) Parnell, Jeff Taylor, Jake Johnson, Harrison Johnson, Samantha Ramos, and Michael Ramos. Great-grandchildren are Holden, Kempson, and Grigsby Parnell and Nora Hollingsworth. He is survived by one sister, Avis McCallum, and many nieces and nephews.

A combined service for J.C. and his wife Joye was held Monday, January2, 2017, at 11 A.M. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Saluda. The family received friends prior to the service. The Rev. Bart Sistare officiated with special remarks by The Rev. John Hipp. Interment followed in Travis Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 102 E. Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138 or to the Saluda County Historical Society, 105 Law Range St., Saluda, SC 29138.

The family offers special thanks to the staff of the Saluda Nursing Center and caregivers Frances Robinson and Betty Thomas.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.rameyfuneralhome .