Johnny Starr Obituary
Visit the Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory - Lancaster website to view the full obituary.
LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Johnny Paul Starr, age 55, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1970, in Fort Worth, TX, a son of Elsie Etta Andrews Starr and was the husband of the late Laura "Jane" Starr.
Johnny Starr had a huge heart and a spirit that never slowed down. He was the kind of person who stepped in when he didn't have to, giving his time and love freely - whether as a trusted babysitter or when he married Jane and became an amazing, devoted dad.
He loved being outdoors, rarely sitting still, and found joy in nature walks, mountain trips, and fishing. A lifelong animal lover, he especially adored his faithful companion, Walker. He came from a large, loving family and he also built an "adopted family" along the way, welcoming everyone into his life. Well known and deeply loved throughout the Buford community, Johnny had a contagious laugh that was often funnier than the joke itself. If he didn't pick on you, you knew he didn't love you - especially if he called you by your first and middle name.
A motorcycle enthusiast and proud Harley owner, Johnny was never seen without his do-rag and will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, and the unforgettable presence he brought into every room.
He is survived by six of his children, Greg Horton (Ann), Amy Willhite (Jesse Usher), Clayton Otruba (Heather), Emma Willhite and JP Starr (Sarah); his grandchildren, Gabby Shanks, Andrew Horton, Caison and Addison Usher, Nolan and Alyssa Otruba, and Ozzy Ricky Lee Starr and his mother, Madison McManus; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; two brothers, Harold Starr and Jimmy Starr; two sisters, Debra "Aunt Kitty Cat" Starr and Brenda Patton; and his special in-laws, one of which he was especially close with, Dawn Reece.
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Starr; three of his children, Andrew Willhite, April Willhite, and Ricky Starr; and a brother, Ricky Lee Starr, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home, Lancaster, SC.
The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Johnny will be 3:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2026, at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Lancaster, SC. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
It is asked by the family to wear jeans with black and Harley orange, or Harley Davidson attire with a do-rag to both the visitation and service in honor of Johnny.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Burgess Funeral Home, C/O Johnny Starr, P.O. Box 1743, Lancaster, SC 29721.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Johnny Starr, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Johnny Starr, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Johnny Starr had a huge heart and a spirit that never slowed down. He was the kind of person who stepped in when he didn't have to, giving his time and love freely - whether as a trusted babysitter or when he married Jane and became an amazing, devoted dad.
He loved being outdoors, rarely sitting still, and found joy in nature walks, mountain trips, and fishing. A lifelong animal lover, he especially adored his faithful companion, Walker. He came from a large, loving family and he also built an "adopted family" along the way, welcoming everyone into his life. Well known and deeply loved throughout the Buford community, Johnny had a contagious laugh that was often funnier than the joke itself. If he didn't pick on you, you knew he didn't love you - especially if he called you by your first and middle name.
A motorcycle enthusiast and proud Harley owner, Johnny was never seen without his do-rag and will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, and the unforgettable presence he brought into every room.
He is survived by six of his children, Greg Horton (Ann), Amy Willhite (Jesse Usher), Clayton Otruba (Heather), Emma Willhite and JP Starr (Sarah); his grandchildren, Gabby Shanks, Andrew Horton, Caison and Addison Usher, Nolan and Alyssa Otruba, and Ozzy Ricky Lee Starr and his mother, Madison McManus; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; two brothers, Harold Starr and Jimmy Starr; two sisters, Debra "Aunt Kitty Cat" Starr and Brenda Patton; and his special in-laws, one of which he was especially close with, Dawn Reece.
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Starr; three of his children, Andrew Willhite, April Willhite, and Ricky Starr; and a brother, Ricky Lee Starr, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home, Lancaster, SC.
The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Johnny will be 3:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2026, at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Lancaster, SC. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
It is asked by the family to wear jeans with black and Harley orange, or Harley Davidson attire with a do-rag to both the visitation and service in honor of Johnny.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Burgess Funeral Home, C/O Johnny Starr, P.O. Box 1743, Lancaster, SC 29721.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Johnny Starr, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Johnny Starr, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory - Lancaster
1800 Charlotte Highway PO Box 1743, Lancaster, SC 29721
People and places connected with Johnny
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Starr
Make a Donation
in Johnny Starr's name
How to support Johnny's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Johnny Starr's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more