Richard Johnson Obituary

(Ret.) Lt. Col. Richard Earl Johnson, USAF Summerville - (Ret.) Lt. Col. Richard Earl Johnson, USAF, 88, of Summerville, husband of Mary Sue Johnson, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at The Village at Summerville. Lt. Col. Johnson was born on January 27, 1929 in Florence, SC, son of the late Robert C. Johnson and Sue Eda Spann Johnson. He graduated from the High School of Charleston, attended The Citadel and graduated from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE and Webster University. Lt. Col. Johnson retired from the Air Force after twenty six years of active duty. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Over half of his career was served in the Strategic Air Command, first as a Navigator on a B-47 combat crew then as an instructor navigator with the B47 combat crew training wing. He also held staff positions in two tours at Strategic Air Command headquarters. His awards include: The Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one cluster, Air Medal, and Air Force Commendation medal with one cluster. After retiring from the Air Force he worked for the City of Charleston and Trident Technical College. In addition to his wife, Mary Sue Johnson, he is survived by his son Calvin Johnson of Folly Beach, and his daughter Starley Gabrish (Jim) of Daniel Island, two granddaughters, Sabra Hand (Chip) and Shelby Rogers both of Charleston, a great-granddaughter Harper Hand; two sisters, Shirley Dillard (Robert) and Fay von Lehe of Charleston, stepson Richard Matheny of Ft. Mill and five step-grandchildren. Lt. Col. Johnson is predeceased by his first wife, Anne Kahrs Johnson, his son, Richard Earl Johnson, Jr., and his brother, Robert C. Johnson, Jr. Inurnment will be in the Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC and will be PRIVATE. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston