Tom Johnson, Jr

**Obituary for Tom Johnson Jr.** **May 9, 1925 – November 1, 2025** Tom Johnson Jr. was born on May 9, 1925, in Boligee, Alabama. He was the cherished son of Tom Johnson Sr. and Nancy Carter Johnson and was one of nine children. His siblings were Callie Mae, Ennis, Louise, Emanuel, Garfield, Robert, Carrie, and Ivory. From the earliest days of his life, Tom stood apart. Though he was the second born, it was clear that he would become a central figure in the family’s history. Despite his youth, Tom’s strength of character, sense of purpose, and work ethic shone brightly. The Johnson family lived as sharecroppers on Mr. Dearman’s farm in Eutaw, Alabama. It was here that Tom’s early responsibilities took root. Tom developed a love for cooking at an early age, inspired by long hours in the kitchen beside his mother. That love would become the foundation for an extraordinary lifelong career. As a teenager, he began working at a small eatery in Eutaw called the Snack Shack with his brother Emanuel. At just 16 years old, Tom made a bold decision that would change the course of his life. He left home and headed to Columbus, Georgia, in search of work and opportunity. He found his opportunity at S&S Cafeteria. Tom rose to the position of head chef, commanding kitchens with precision, pride, and excellence. The Smith and Smith Brothers, owners of S&S Cafeteria, entrusted him with a remarkable responsibility: to open and lead new locations in Macon, Georgia; Greenville, South Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia. For more than 60 years, Tom remained a cornerstone of the S&S family, shaping the culinary experience for generations of diners and training countless staff with dignity and discipline. In Tom’s personal life, he was first united in marriage to Charlie Clara Hardwick, with whom he had six children Donald, Burnette, Tom III, Synthia, Joan and Sonja Johnson. Later, he was blessed to find love again with Doretha Coppock, and together they nurtured a blended and loving family. He was preceded in death by his children Donald Johnson, Burnette Jones, his wife Doretha Johnson and all his siblings. He is survived by one son Tom Johnson III Atlanta, Ga, three daughters Synthia Jenkins (Dwayne) Ellenwood, Ga, Joan Dalton Columbus, Ga, and Sonja Lewis Atlanta, Ga, sisters-in-law Doris Coppock Hunter Fort Lauderdale, Fl, Carrie Coppock Savannah, Ga, a brother-in-law Leonard Holly Denver, Co as well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to his care givers Deborah Nelson, Carriage Crossing Assistant Living, and Precious Hospice. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Tom are invited to celebrate his life and legacy at a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at Rainbow Park Baptist Church 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30034, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Following the service, a repast will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the same location, where guests can gather to share stories and fond memories of Tom. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and cared for Tom throughout his life. Tom's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was a blessing, and his memory will be cherished forever.

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Tom Johnson, Jr

May 9, 1925 - November 1, 2025