Theodore "Ted" Johnson, Jr.

Theodore Wellen “Ted” Johnson, Jr.

Wrens, GA  –              Theodore Wellen “Ted” Johnson, Jr., 84, loving husband of 62 years to ClaraSue Dyches Johnson, peacefully entered into his eternal rest Thursday afternoon, December 19, 2019 at Charlie Norwood V. A. Medical Center Downtown Division.  Services to celebrate his life will be held in the Wrens Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2019 with Rev. Carson Fellows, Pastor Henry “H.W.” Johnson and Dr. James M. Ford officiating. A private interment will held be in the Wrens Memorial Gardens.

One of five sons of the late Myrtle Louise Temple Johnson and the late Theodore Wellen Johnson Sr., Ted was born and raised in Orangeburg SC. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country in the Army.  Within a week of returning from his service in the military, he began his life’s career in banking—1 ½ years in Orangeburg SC, 7 years in Branchville SC, before moving to Wrens in 1964 to open First State Bank, retiring as President in 2000.  Ted loved his community and helping people.  Being a long-range thinker was an asset in the 30 years he served on the Jefferson County Hospital Authority; in his being instrumental in the establishment of the Wrens Development Authority to attract businesses to this area and having an ambulance service stationed in Wrens.  He also served as a volunteer medic and firefighter.  As a young boy he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and served Him as a past member of First Baptist Church of Orangeburg, as a past member of Branchville Baptist Church, and as a member of Wrens Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities—Deacon, Treasurer, and a member of the Willis Clark Sunday School Class.  His long-range views served well in his time on the Building Committee where he was instrumental in obtaining the land and getting the current church built. Ted’s was most proud of his being able to participate in the establishment of the Wrens Baptist Child Development Center.  In his spare time, he did enjoy travelling, watching and attending Braves and Gamecock games—attending these games with his family was some of his most treasured memories.  As it so happened, Ted was at the stadium when Hank Aaron broke the home-run record and hit his 715th home run—he had his tickets framed for that momentous occasion.  Ted’s most favorite times were those spent with his family—he loved family get togethers where there was always the enjoyment of good food and good company.  Having earned the respect of those in the community and county, Ted’s loving perspective will be greatly missed.  He has now travelled on to his eternal home where he is now basking in God’s glory.

Ted was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Johnson and Glen Johnson. Other survivors include his four children, Wells Johnson III (Alisa), Warren Johnson (Karen), Whittney Johnson (Terry) and Melinda J. Thompson (Gary); two brothers, Don W. Johnson (Cindy) and Dicky Johnson (Cookie); five grandchildren, Britany Fitch (Brian), Henry “H.W.” Johnson II, Brandy Taryn Davis (Jonathan), Meagan W. Johnson and Hannah Thompson; two great grandchildren, Hailey Davis and Jesse Davis; nieces, nephews, church family and friends.  Also honoring him will be past and present employees of First State Bank and the Willis Clark Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ted's honor to Wrens Baptist Child Development Center (Wrens Baptist CDC), P.O. Box 217, Wrens, GA 30833.