Milton Swayze Johnson Jr.

Milton (Milt) Swayze Johnson, Jr. Milton (Milt) Swayze Johnson, Jr., resident of Tallahassee and co-founder of Jim & Milt's Bar-B-Q, passed away on February 10, 2009. He was 85 years old. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi in 1923. Commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, he served as an aviator during World War II. He continued his service with the Naval Reserves until 1952. After the war he returned to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he graduated from LSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Working as an engineer for Cities Service Oil Company, he moved his family to Tallahassee in 1957 and opened the company's first local bulk plant. Shortly thereafter he joined his brother-in-law, Jim Burgess, to establish Bell Foundation Company where they worked together for 15 years. He then joined Hydro-Conduit, Inc., formerly Moore Concrete, where he retired in 1992. After retirement he served as an independent consultant to the road building industry. Among his many contributions to the Tallahassee community, he was most proud of his work with the Salvita House, a facility dedicated to the support of women with dependencies. As an avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Capital City Country Club, a dedicated FSU Booster, and member of the Colonel's Club and Tallahassee Town Club. A friend to all, Milt most cherished his family and was known for his positive attitude, generosity, humor and charm. He was predeceased by his parents Milton and Sara Johnson and siblings Frank and Betty Jean Johnson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marilyn Moret Johnson; three children and their spouses, Carol Palomino McKee of Tampa, Gail and Kit Moffatt of Tallahassee, Milton and Laura Johnson of Tallahassee; eight grandchildren: John Palomino, Brie Hertz and Lynette Russell of Tampa, Josh Suber, Jarrod "Boo" Suber, Kyle Johnson, Sara Kate Johnson and Mary Parker Johnson of Tallahassee and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and wife, Edward and Virginia Moret of Tallahassee, many nieces and nephews and half sisters, Martha Beadles and Bobbie Lou Yauger. Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Shelter, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311. The family will receive visitors at Bevis Funeral Home, 2710 N. Monroe St., on Thursday, February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. EST. A memorial service will be held at the Bevis Funeral Home Chapel (850-385-2193) on Friday, February 13 at 2 p.m. EST.