Edward Johnson Jr.

Ed Johnson loved God, America, people(especially family), and service. He was passionate about his mission "To add significant value to other people, by living a responsible Christian life of service, leaving every person, place or thing better than he found them."

Ed was raised in Atlanta, GA, born to parents Edward Oliver Johnson, Sr. and Lallah (Shropshire) Johnson. He was an honor student at Georgia Military Academy (GMA) and graduated from Druid Hills High School in Decatur, GA in 1955. Ed went to North Georgia College ( now University of North Georgia.)

While at NGC, Ed aggressively pursued his life-long dream of a career Military officer. Ed placed first at the 6-week ROTC Summer Camp at Ft. Benning, GA. The training and presentation skills he learned there were used in a career that spanned over 50 years in seven different fields. When asked what the common theme was, Ed said he was always a "People Builder."

After graduation, Ed was commissioned into the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, completing Parachute School and Ranger Training. His military career ended abruptly when he broke his back and was paralyzed. After seven surgeries, Ed accepted Military retirement and returned to civilian life. He married and had two children, Jennifer and Lee.

He began his business life in retail as a management trainee for Rich's. Ed later received an offer to enter into a management program at C&S Bank where managed a C&S branch. He left C&S to purchase Bald Ridge Marina, and purchased a 33 acre horse farm in western Forsyth County in 1974. Ed loved Forsyth County and it's people. He became heavily involved in the community through Cumming/Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Optimists, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Relay for Life. During this period, Ed became divorced. He remained single until meeting his devoted wife, Debra Kinney. They married in 1984. They sold Bald Ridge and opened Pioneer Realty. Ed and Debra owned Pioneer Realty until 1995. The company prospered and soon Ed was called upon to train other Realtors and Brokers across the country. Ed also trained for such companies as Bell South, Tretra-Pac, Chick-fil-a, The Georgia Association of Georgia, and others.

When Ed's physical limitations precluded national travel, Ed began consulting local small businesses. He designed a course called "Living on Purpose," teaching it to numerous groups. Declining eyesight caused Ed to cease traveling. He began life-coaching with individuals one-on-one, in person and by phone. He loved seeing his clients growing toward their full potential.

Ed had a strong Christian faith and served in several local churches. Ed served as both a deacon and an elder, and with his wife, taught Adult Bible Study for more than 35 years. Ed will be missed, but will forever be remembered as someone that cherished his role as a servant of God and a man who intentionally lived his life to serve others.

During his final days, Ed was lovingly cared for by his wife, Debra, and his daughter, Jennifer, their dear friends, Les and Lynn Sims, Cindy and Ned Stokes, and Ed's care team from AccentCare Hospice. A special thanks to Sarah Collett, Susan Conner, and Natasha for the special care they provided to Ed, Debra, Jennifer, and Hoover.

Ed was predeceased by many family members, including his parents and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Debra, daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Tom Patterson, grandson, Logan Johnson, faithful companion, Hoover, and son, Lee.

Ed will be celebrated in a memorial service on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 3:00p.m. at McDonald Family Funeral Home and Crematorium (150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, Georgia, 30040. 770-886-9899). Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00-3:00pm prior to the service.

Please join us for the "Celebration of Ed Johnson, A Life Well Lived."

In lieu of flowers, please make donations, in Ed's name, to The Place of Forsyth County, St. Judes Children's Hospital and Research Center, or Tunnels to Towers.