Stanley Eddie Johnson, Sr. took his first breath on a Tuesday, February 10, 1948. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, James Lott and Lou Emma (Galloway) Johnson, in Caroline County, Virginia. At the age of 77, he took his final breath on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Stanley was the son of the late Fannie Malinda Johnson and Wayne Smith, both of Caroline County, VA.

As a teenager, while briefly living in Philadelphia with his mother, Fannie, and attending high school, Stanley played the saxophone in a band that performed in nightclubs. Eventually, he returned home to Virginia, where, under his grandparents' care, he completed his education at Union High School in Caroline County. Shortly thereafter, Stanley joined Reedy Baptist Church and gave his life to Christ at a young age.

At 18, Stanley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he became a man of honor and bravery. As a soldier in the Vietnam War, he was awarded two Purple Hearts after being wounded in combat, along with a distinguished Bronze Star for valor on the battlefield. After his military service, he continued his commitment to brotherhood by joining the fraternal order of Freemasons.

In his younger years, Stanley was a driven entrepreneur. He owned his own trucking company and operated a popular bar and nightclub off Route 1 in Ladysmith, VA, known as Eddie J's. He later built a long and steady career as a truck driver, retiring after more than 20 years with Lukoil (formerly Getty Petroleum). Stanley had a lifelong love for driving trucks and fast cars and riding the open country roads on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Stanley was first married to Deliska Ann Gilliam of Philadelphia, PA, and later to the late Harriett T. Johnson of Mechanicsville, VA.

He is survived by his three daughters: Stasha M. Johnson, Faizah E. Hough (Lamar), and Keona K. Johnson; and his four sons: Stanley E. Johnson Jr. (Sylvia), Antwan L. Johnson, Kashad A. Johnson, and Joseph A. Johnson. He is also survived by 12 beloved grandchildren: Chardonnay, Antwan, Amari, Stanley III, Zion, Zoe, Jasper, Lauren, Kisan, Jasmyne, Kaylen, and Samaya.

Against all odds, Stanley Eddie Johnson Sr. took his first breath in the winter of 1948 and went on to live an extraordinary life—a hero's journey that will continue to echo through time.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Reedy Baptist Church Cemetery, 15076 Dry Bridge Road, Ruther Glen, VA, 22546, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

Acknowledgment

The children of Stanley Eddie Johnson Sr. would like to extend our deepest thanks to each of you for being here today as we celebrate and mourn the sudden loss of our father—an American hero. Your love, support, and presence mean more to us than words can express.