Obituary published on Legacy.com by Whitaker Funeral Home - Chapin on Nov. 12, 2025.
Edwin "Ed" Leroy Johns, 88, husband of Sandra Marie Johns of Lowman Home Barn Road, Chapin, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 10th, 2025.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Ed was the son of the late Gerald and Marion Johns. He graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1955, laying the foundation for a life filled with adventure, craftsmanship, and connection and devotion to family.
Ed's love story with his wife Sandy spanned an extraordinary 67 years-a bond built on deep affection, unwavering support, and countless shared moments. He never missed a chance to tell her how much he loved her, right up to his final days. Their partnership was the heart of his world and a shining example of true love. Ed and Sandy met at high school study hall in 1954. Dates followed going to the movies, the ice cream parlor, eating pizza, and high school dances on Friday nights. One especially memorable day was a trip to Rochester for the Spring Lilac Festival, where Ed asked Sandy to his senior prom.
During High School, Ed was a student athlete who played basketball, was quarterback on the football team, doubles tennis champion in 1955 as well as being the president of his Senior class. He also sang in the Baptist Choir
After graduating in 1955, Ed served our Country in the United States Navy (1955-1958). While in the Navy, Ed and Sandy wrote letters to keep in touch throughout Ed's time of service. During his time of service Ed was part of the Navy Seabees, known for building a wide range of construction projects and engineering support for naval and military operations. Ed was stationed throughout the United States and Cuba. After Ed's time of Service, Ed and Sandy were married in 1958 and by 1972 had 5 children: Cheryl, Michael, Scott, Eric, and Jacki.
Later in life, a proud Georgia Bulldogs fan (a darn good dawg), Ed never missed a chance to cheer on his Dawgs-especially from the stands, where his energy and enthusiasm were contagious. His love for sports extended far beyond football, continuing with basketball, golf, and softball all playing a role in his active lifestyle. Volleyball and tennis being two of his strongest sports.
Over the years, Ed and Sandy lived in Western New York, North Georgia, the Panhandle of Florida and the Piedmont of South Carolina. Ed's connection to the outdoors was profound. Whether strolling the Gulf shore beaches, exploring new places behind the wheel, or simply soaking in the sunshine, he found peace and joy in nature. He had a special fondness for turtles, which became the emblem of his art business (ybysa)-a symbol of his gentle spirit and enduring creativity.
Professionally, Ed spent the first half of his career as a talented technical illustrator at Bell Aerospace and Rockwell International, bringing precision and artistry to his work. Later, he followed his passion for fine art, as an independent fine art distributor, traveling across the Southeast to share creations and connect with fellow art lovers. His entrepreneurial spirit and artistic eye left a lasting impression on all who encountered him.
Ed was a true handyman, always ready to fix, build, or improve anything that needed attention. He cherished Friday nights out, happy hours with friends, and a good plate of chicken wings-simple pleasures that brought him great joy.
Above all, Ed was a family man. He adored his children and grandchildren, offering unwavering support, heartfelt encouragement, and unconditional love. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the laughter he shared.
Ed Johns will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his warmth, wit, and the beautiful life he lived.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sandra Marie Johns.
Surviving in addition to his wife Sandra are a daughter, Cheryl Koller (Chris) of Cary, NC, a son Michael Johns (Mai) of San Jose, CA, a son Scott Johns (Paula) of Sanford, NC, a son Eric Johns (Yvonne) of Mableton, GA, a daughter Jacqueline Stone (Chris) of Irmo, SC. Twelve (12) grandchildren, Caitlyn Koller, Tim Koller, Thao Doan (Ryan), Anna Johns (Stewart Elmore), Chase Bailey (Jordan), Jade Johns, Noah Johns, Sidney Johns, Alex Johns, Nick Johns, Madison Stone (Matt Sheehan), Evan Stone (Gabi) and six (6) great grandchildren, Catherine, Lizzy, Emily, Patrick, Ryder and Thatcher.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older sister, Deloras Donner.
Memorial services will be held in the Chapel at the Heritage at Lowman on Sunday, November 16th, 2025 at 3:00pm located at 2101 Dutch Fork Road,
Chapin, SC 29036.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 pm on Sunday in the Gallery, located adjacent to the Chapel at the Heritage at Lowman prior to the service.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Lutheran Hospice, PO Box 805, White Rock, SC 29177
The family wishes to express thanks to the staff at The Heritage at Lowman and Luther Hospice.
Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.