Obituary of Thomas Worth Johnson

Thomas Worth Johnson, 82, husband of Heide Johnson, passed away Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 in Georgetown. Born on November 19, 1933, in Aynor, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Ira Johnson and the late Ora Graham Johnson. Worth was a member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown, served in the South Carolina National Guard and graduated from Aynor High School in 1952, where his peers voted him “Best All-Around.” After graduation, he worked at the Dawsey Market in Aynor. He later worked at the A&P in Georgetown. In 1965, he bought a Piggly Wiggly in Columbia before owning the Piggly Wiggly on Front Street in Georgetown. Worth later started and opened the Piggly Wiggly on Highmarket Street in 1973. Four years later, he was awarded Grocer of the Year. He was part owner of the Piggly Wiggly in Johnsonville and retired in 2004. Worth loved spending time with his family and helping others. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time in the creek, crabbing and was an avid Carolina Gamecock fan. He was a jack of all trades and a self-made entrepreneur. In addition to being a great businessman and loving family member, he touched many lives through his generous contributions to the community. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Worth is survived by his wife, of Pawleys Island; four children, Larry Johnson (Lisa) of Fort Mill, Teresa Saad (Jerry) of Greenville, Brooke Cooper (Jimmy) of Litchfield, and Jason Johnson (Lauren) of Pawleys Island; nine grandchildren, Kristen Mitchell (Jordan) of Fort Myers, FL, Ryan Williams (Ashley) of Greenville, Lauren Johnson of Fort Mill, Walker Johnson of Fort Mill, Dylan Lowrimore of Litchfield, Kinley Cooper of Litchfield, Madeline Johnson of Pawleys Island, Kampbell Rogers of Litchfield, and Cecilia Johnson of Pawleys Island; one great-grandchild, James Worth Williams of Greenville; three siblings, Nedra Roberts of Aynor, Jonetia Finklea of Pamplico and Grady Johnson of Aynor; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Horace Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, September 25, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Georgetown. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Saturday, September 24, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 219 Cleland St. Georgetown, SC 29440 Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242