On Thursday, May 25, 2023, Joseph C. Johnson passed away at the age of 68. Joe suffered from many health ailments over the years. He fought a very long and hard battle, but we find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering and in the hands of our Lord. Joe was born on September 1, 1954, in Jacksonville, the son of Frank C. and Lucille (Keller) Johnson. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife Renee Johnson sister, Brenda Johnson North, and brother Richard McKinnon. He is a Florida native that remained in the Jacksonville area. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School in Riverside and Robert E. Lee high school.
Much to their surprise, Joe and Renee initially met as neighbors. God definitely had a master plan for these two. It didn’t take long before realizing they were soulmates. They were married on April 18, 1997. They were together for 27 years and celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary this past April. Joe is survived by his four children, Randall (Lisa) Smith, Mark (Crystal) Clark, Kelly Eller, Heather (Joey) Beach, and grandchildren, Miranda, Tyler, Daniel, Nathaniel, Nicole, Zaylee, Tanner, Anthony, Andrew, Baxley, Noah and Parker and 5 great grandchildren and a favorite cousin, Pam Johnson along with many other cousins, family and friends.
Joe’s family was his heart and soul and pride and joy. They meant the world to him. He was also a huge animal lover. Gizzy, their Shih Tzu spent many hours right by his side. Joe was a talented artist with a sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. He was a basketball fanatic and an avid Georgia bulldog fan. His family will cherish the many camping trips they shared over the years and the campfires they had at Ginnie Springs.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 1pm with visitation starting at 12pm. The service will be at Fraser Funeral Home located at 8168 Normandy Blvd. with interment following right after at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd.
The Family of Claude R. Johnson, Jr.
July 19, 2023, 1:38 am
The love and light you brought to our family will live on in each of us in wonderful memories of you.
May you rest in eternal peace our beloved Joseph.
Pamela Johnson
July 19, 2023, 1:38 am
Dear Family and Friends:
My heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time. Joe was my cousin, our father’s were brothers. As a kid Joseph was precious, I simply adored this little apple of his Mother’s eye. His smile and laughter was captivating .Heading for adolescents he was maybe 11- 12; I was a freshman in high school and as usual came to visit that summer. Joe and his buddies would be around skate boarding and having fun skating on the smooth street and sidewalks to the KINKS, Girl You Really Got Me Going playing as loud as possible. It was so much fun. Joe took on the role as activities director saying “tonight we can go swimming at my friends house down the street” FUN we all exclaimed and we showed up at a dark, locked up house and had to scale a fence. “Hey, are you sure we can be here?” Joe was sure telling us they were out of town but don’t care if we swim…..hey wait do I hear sirens???? We all split. Turns out it really was alright but the owners forgot to tell the other neighbors. Joe and I shared many wonderful fun family memories – he cherished his family and we cherished Joseph.
Above all else he was a true believer in our Holy Father, he KNEW who his Shepherd was. I will miss you each and every day of my life but I know you are not suffering and you have eternal peace. What the heart has once loved it NEVER forgets. God will see us all through.
Blessings,
Pamela Johnson