Russell V. "Russ" Johnson

Mr. Russell Vardry Johnson, 71 years old, passed away in his home at 113 Garden Lake Drive, Calhoun, GA on February 25, 2015. He was surrounded by his family and died peacefully in his own home, just as he had hoped. “Russ” was born in Greenville SC on November 28, 1943 to the late Maude Banks Johnson and Vardry Lewis Johnson. After attending Greenville High School and graduating from Carlisle Military School, he proudly served in the United States Army. Russ was stationed in Germany and served as a Medic during the Vietnam era. Following his time in the Army, he attended North Greenville University, Greenville Technical College, and Clemson University. Russ worked in the carpet industry for Goodyear (Omnova) for 30 years where he was an integral part of their Latex Sales Team until his retirement in 2009. Russ never met a stranger and made everyone he met feel at ease and important, contributing greatly to his success at Goodyear. Russ was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church where he served as an Usher. He was a faithful and beloved member of “The Rock” Sunday School Class and served on the Nominating Committee at Trinity. Russ also attended Calhoun First Presbyterian Church regularly with his wife and considered that his second church home. He readily volunteered countless hours and in various ministries at both Trinity and Calhoun First Presbyterian. He had a strong sense of community and his giving spirit was not just limited to his church involvement. Russ was a proud and active member of the Coosawattee Lodge #306 Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM), where he was serving as their Worshipful Master. He also volunteered regularly at the Blewer Food Bank. Anyone who knew Russ knew that he was a man of principle and believed in doing things right the first time. He was a friend to all, and his kindness, spontaneous nature and sense of humor were his trademarks. Russ loved his many Boston Terriers, good food, great friends, stimulating conversation, baseball, camping, golf, gospel music and traveling. He was an amazing husband, father, friend, and example who will be missed by so many. Russ is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Frances Johnson, of the home. He is also survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Julie Johnson Green of Greenville, SC and Amanda Johnson-Latham and Scott Latham, also from Greenville, SC. Russ had five grandchildren that he adored as well; Hannah and Mac Green, and Brendon, Emma Kate and Harper Latham. He is also survived by three nephews, Dr. Walter Johnson (Deanna) of Travelers Rest, SC, Rev. Stan Johnson (Stephanie) of Travelers Rest, SC, and Ken Johnson (Ann) of Waluska, GA. Russ is pre-deceased in death by his mother and father, a brother, James “Harry” Johnson, and a nephew, Warren Theodore “Ted” Johnson. Visitation will be held at Trinity Baptist Church on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 4:00pm-6:00pm with a Memorial Service to immediately follow at 6:00pm. The Coosawattee Lodge #306 Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM) and Trinity Baptist Church’s “The Rock” Sunday School Class will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church @ 1170 Rome Road Southwest, Calhoun, GA 30701 or the Calhoun First Presbyterian Church @ 829 Red Bud Road Northeast, Calhoun, GA 30701 You may send condolences to the family at www.thomasfuneralcalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral services for Mr. Russell Vardry Johnson.