John Legrande "Johnnie" Vereen

John "Johnnie" Legrande Vereen Jr, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at home at the ripe age of 79. Johnnie was larger than life in every way imaginable. Always quick with a smile and an inappropriate joke, you could always find him swinging on the nearest hammock.
Johnnie was born August 17th, 1944, in Orangeburg, SC and spent his childhood in Cherry Grove, SC. He had to leave college early due to the Vietnam draft, but always told his family his job in the army was as a lifeguard so not to cause worry. Johnnie became a restaurateur in his adulthood, running Sunnyside in Murrells Inlet with his brother Bubby, and Vereen's Bar and Grill in Litchfield Beach. As an avid sportsman, he loved going on hunting trips to Arkansas and Canada with his nephew J., sailing, and sports fishing. Johnnie wanted everyone around him to have a good time and enjoy the moment. He especially enjoyed spending time at his family's land on the Waccamaw River in Longs, enjoying food, wine and family.
Surviving is his wife, Laurie Ritchie, children John Vereen III (Bailey Vereen, Chandler Vereen), Justin "Scooter" Vereen (Justin Vereen, Sara Vereen), Julie Vereen (Jonathan Vermont, Elizabeth-Parker Vermont), and stepson Walker Wood.
He is predeceased by his wife Miriam Vereen, parents Happy and Mullet Vereen, sister Anne Vereen, brother Ralph "Bubby" Vereen, niece Rosa Vereen, as well as many beloved dogs over the course of his lifetime.
The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hans Hinson, Dr. Mark Trianna, Dr. Carol Bogdan, and Latoya Garrett for your compassionate care. It is truly appreciated.
When asked many years ago what Johnnie would want in his obituary, he replied "I want to apologize to all of the SC wildlife game wardens for their troubles- especially Gerdon Tarbox. I only shot a few, and only green-heads."
Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.
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