Paul Arthur Johnson

Paul Johnson of Edgefield, South Carolina departed this life into the arms of his Heavenly Father on December 31, 2025. Born June 16,1995 in Clayton, NY to Sonya Johnson, Paul was the eldest of his siblings. A twin, Paul was born three minutes before his fraternal brother, and relished reminding everyone that he was the oldest at every available opportunity. Paul spent the first part of his life in northern New York, where he and his siblings played and enjoyed boating on the St. Lawrence River with their beloved grandparents. As a child, Paul was a tinkerer and daredevil. He once removed the training wheels from his bike in order to ride down the big hill on his grandparents' property, much to his mom's dismay. He also enjoyed any game that could get him the most dirty, also to his mom's dismay. One of his favorite childhood past times was making mud pies with his siblings, competing with them on who could make the grossest one.

At the age of 9, Paul moved to Georgia with his mom, brother, and sister. After moving down south, Paul would continue to spend the summers in northern New York with his grandparents, assisting his grandfather with his marina and boat surveying businesses. In the winter, he and his mom and siblings would enjoy spending time with family and friends at his grandparents' Charleston, South Carolina home. He would befriend many of the kids in his neighborhood, of which several would become lifelong chosen family. In his teen years, one could often see Paul riding bikes on the street with his friends and siblings. His mom's house was often the hang out spot and safe place for the local teens that Paul and his siblings spent the most time with.

In 2020, Paul and his mom moved into a lovely property in Edgefield, South Carolina, which he was assisting with renovating at the time of his passing. One of the things he was most proud of was the table he had created from a reclaimed barn door for his mom.

As a somewhat shy fellow, Paul could be described as a man of few words upon first meeting him. Once Paul got to know and trust someone, his sense of humor, kindness, and intellect shined through. One of the things Paul valued the most in life was his family and friends. He often was there to lend an ear or a helping hand when a friend or family member called on him, no matter what. He loved every person he considered dear to him, of any walk of life or belief. Paul most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; especially his nephews who he loved and adored. He was able to join his eldest nephew out on his first fishing trip this past summer at a local water hole. He loved animals, enjoyed working with his hands (taking things apart more than putting them back together), tinkering with vehicles, being on the water, sketching, and especially a backyard bonfire with good friends and good beer.

At the time of his passing, Paul was on a journey of personal growth, in which he'd made great strides. Paul is preceded in death by his Grandfather Kenneth I. Johnson and Grandmother Cynthia F. Johnson. He is survived by his mom Sonya Johnson, brother Timothy (Holly) Johnson, sister Samantha Johnson, nephews Kenneth Johnson and Levi Johnson, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins which he loved dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Posey Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Please wear your brightest colors and patterns to honor Paul's love of both.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Paul's memory to Changed Lives Ministry in Monks Corner, South Carolina. (https://changedlivesministry.org/donate)