Morris Johnson, Jr.

Morris Johnson, Jr., age 80, transitioned this earth on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

He was born to Marguerite and Morris, Sr. on March 23, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was a graduate of North East High School. He attended Penn State University for one year; while there he was a member of the Track Team. He later opted to enlist into the United States Air Forces.

His military career began at Dover AFB, Delaware. Upon completion of Basic Training, he became an “Air Evac Medical Technician. He has been stationed at various AF Bases; criss-crossing the United States from: Bolling AFB (DC); Andrews AFB (MD). Due to this job, he had three (3) tours of duty in various countries of VietNam. On his return from this last Vietnam tour, he was assigned to Warner Robins AFB (GA). While there he attended school at Shephard AFB, (TX), studying Computer Technology.

Upon the completion of this school, he was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB (AZ). While at DM, he went to the NCO Academy at Barksdale AFB (LA). Upon graduation from there, he was asked and accepted a position to come back as an Instructor at the NCO Academy. When this assignment ended, he was stationed at Rickenbacker AFB in Columbus (OH). From there he was assigned to Clark Air Base, Republic of the Phillippines (PI). While there he had a short assignment to Kadena (Japan and Okinawa). From there he was stationed at Hickam AFB, Honolulu (HI). This was his final assignment. He retired from the Air Force after 30 years with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, (E9). He also has a BS Degree in Computer Science and Technology. One thing is important. Whenever and wherever possible, his family always accompanied him. His many awards and merits of achievements in both his military career and his civilian career are too numerous to mention here.

As a civilian, Morris went to work for Civil Service and was offered a job with the United States Army. His  job title there was “Computer Systems Analyst”. He worked in Korea until he retired, once again, (15 yrs) in Hawaii, as a GS-13.  After this final retirement, he and his family decided to remain in Hawaii, and did so for 25 years.

Morris was an avid sports fan. He loved to play Golf, and go Bowling. He also enjoyed coaching his youngest son’s “Pop Warner Soccer Team”. He enjoyed listening to music, preferably Jazz, the Blues, and playing cards. He also liked to boast that he was the “King of the Bar-B-Quers”! However, aside from work, his most favorite thing was being a “Master Mason”! It didn’t matter if he was just a member or an officer. He was an active brother/member in “The Blue House Lodge, The Shriners”, “The Consistory”,“The Order of the Eastern Star”, the Heroines of Jericho”, and being an advisor for “The Knights of Phystagoras”, he also held the distinction of achieving the 33rd Degree in Masonry.

He is predeceased by his mother, his brother, his sister, and his favorite uncle, Sam.

He is survived by his devoted wife Phyllis (Penny), four children, Joycelyn (John) Russanno; Kelly (Michelle) Johnson; Haille Johnson; Delvara “Bunnie” Alexander, 18 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Morris’ Celebration of Life (Memorial Service) will be conducted on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 AM,

at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road North West, Fort Walton Beach, FL  32547.

The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.

 Internment will be at Barrancas Memorial Cemetery in Pensacola, FL. At a later date and time.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.

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