John Harding Johnson

John Harding Johnson passed away at his home on Sunday, February 15, 2009.

Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Stringer Family Chapel with graveside services following at Johnson Cemetery.

Harding was born to Bob and Nannie Lou Johnson on Johnson Road in Copiah County on November 25, 1921, and resided there all of his life other than the years in military service. In 1942, Harding met Loraine Grantham, and they became engaged as he entered the US Navy for service in World War II. During the war, he served on the USS Zeilin and the USS Thuban in the Pacific Theatre of War. After returning from the war, Harding Married Loraine on April 6, 1946. Harding retired in 1984 from Scanlon-Taylor Millwork in Jackson. His favorite hobbies were farming and coon hunting. He had been a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church for over 70 years. Harding was a member of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He was preceded in death by his parents; ten brothers; and two sisters.

Harding is survived by his wife of 62 years, Loraine Grantham Johnson of Crystal Springs; daughter and her husband, Johnnie Lou and Michael Yakstis of Crystal Springs; son, Dan Harding Johnson of Crystal Springs; grandson and his wife, Michael and Debbie Yakstis of Brandon; granddaughter and her husband, Lori and Kevin Thornton of Tunnel Hill, GA; great-granddaughter, Maggie Michael Yakstis of Brandon; sisters, Verlin Sutherland of Terry and Grace Suttle of Jackson; and brother, Ellzy Johnson of Crystal Springs.