Ray Thaddeus Johnson, Sr., was born on June 24, 1926, in Branchville, South Carolina. He peacefully departed this life on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray graduated from State High School in 1943 before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II. After his military service, he pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from South Carolina State Agricultural and Mechanical College (now South Carolina State University) in 1950. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Education from South Carolina State College in 1973.

A devoted man of faith, Ray was a lifelong and active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He faithfully served in numerous roles, including over 50 years as Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, President of the New Zion Baptist Association Deacon Union, Sunday School teacher for over 30 years, Vacation Bible School teacher, and primary adult class instructor. He founded the church’s Men’s Auxiliary, now known as the Brotherhood, and also served in the Finance Department and Youth Ministry. Additionally, he was a member of the Trustee Board, sang in both the Senior and Men’s Choirs, chaired the Building Committee during the construction of the church, and served as Director of Senior Day Camp. Ray’s love for God and unwavering commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on his church family and community.

Ray dedicated much of his professional life to education in Colleton County. He taught Agricultural Mechanics, served as a bus superintendent at Colleton High School, and later became principal at Carleton High School. After retiring in 1981, his passion for education led him back to the classroom, where he taught adult education at Walterboro High School for many years.

A pillar of his community, Ray was known for his generosity, skill, and willingness to help others. Whether selling insurance, repairing cars and tractors, or painting vehicles, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

Ray met the love of his life, Thelma Cooley Johnson, at a boarding house while on a teaching assignment in Walterboro. Together, they built a beautiful life and recently celebrated 75 years of marriage.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Thelma Cooley Johnson of Walterboro, South Carolina; one daughter, Barbara Lynn Johnson of Walterboro, South Carolina; and four grandchildren: Tah’nee of Fort Worth, Texas; Tawana (KP) of Summerville, South Carolina; Brandon (LaDora) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Felisha of Walterboro, South Carolina.

He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren: Tah’Ajaih, Tah’Jai, Jurnee, Jerrod, Zara, Madison, Zariyah, Zaniya, Z”Mari, Amir and Olivia; and one great-great-grandchild, Tymir.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ray “Ricky” Thaddeus Johnson, II; his sister, Pauline Ancrum; and is also remembered by his sister-in-law, Waudell Woods, a special niece, Conchita Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and loving friends.

 

Celebration of Life Services are as follows:

Viewing: Thursday, April 23, 2026 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hamilton's Funeral Home

Service: Friday, April 24, 2026 11:00 am

Mt. Olive Baptist Church

329 Savage Street 

Walterboro, South Carolina 29488

Please Keep the family in your prayers.

 Please leave the family a note of Condolence, light a candle of remembrance, or order a floral remembrance piece.  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4