Ralph Johnson Obituary

1st Sgt. (USMC) Retired Ralph Cecil Johnson was born, November 3, 1940, in Keytesville, Missouri. He was the fourth of seven children born to the late James and Lillian Johnson. He passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at PRISMA Health Richland Hospital, in Columbia, South Carolina. Ralph attended public schools in Keytesville and in 1958 graduated from Keytesville High School. After graduation, he worked in construction for two years but soon decided to follow the military career path forged by his older brothers, Kenneth, who was in the Air Force, and James who joined the Army. Later, their youngest brother Raymond followed them into the armed services when he also joined the Army. On June 13, 1960, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He dutifully served his country and devoted twenty years of his life to being a Marine. While in the service Ralph's duty stations included: Parris Island, South Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California, Guam, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the duty station from which he retired in June 1983. Ralph achieved the rank of 1st Sgt. and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1965-1966 and 1970-1971. A Purple Heart recipient, he received the honor after being injured while out on patrol during combat. Ralph received numerous other awards, medals, and commendations during his military career. After retiring from the Marines, Ralph spent sixteen years as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1967 Ralph served as best man at his best friend (and fellow Marine) Clayton Reid's wedding to Sandra Whack, where he met the young lady that would become his wife, Johnnie Mae Bradshaw. Ralph and Johnnie were married on March 6, 1971. They were blessed with one son, Shawn Anthony, who was born on October 2, 1972. A faithful member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, Ralph worked with the church's summer enrichment program and co-chaired the Family Ministries program with his wife Johnnie. The couple also coordinated the church-wide picnic at Weston Lake for several years. Also active within his community, Ralph served as a Boy Scout Troop leader and held active memberships in the VFW, American Legion, and the Townsmen Club. He was a member of the Belvedere Community organization and a lifetime member of the Pride of Foreston Masonic Lodge. Throughout his retirement, Ralph enjoyed gardening and playing cards, especially pinochle and bid whist. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie; his son, Shawn Anthony; brothers, Kenneth, James Jr., and Raymond Johnson; and sisters, Wilma Carr and Mary Conway. Those who are cherishing his fond and precious memories are his sister, Wanda Maupin, Kansas City, MO; granddaughter, Andrea Monique Johnson, Nashville, TN; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Melvin) Bradshaw Davis, and Jacqueline Johnson; niece, Terri Johnson of the home; a special friend, Elaine Taylor; goddaughters, Stacey Reid McClary and Caroline Canty; dear friends/family, Clayton and Sandra Reid; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph C. Johnson, please visit our floral store.