Edward Clayton Johnson, Jr.

Edward Clayton Johnson, Jr. suffered a major stroke Monday July 25th and passed away Tuesday, August 2nd at Emory University Hospital. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Dr. Johnson, son of Edward Clayton Johnson, Sr. and Frances Seymour Johnson, grew up in Savannah, Georgia but ultimately made Decatur, Georgia his permanent home. As a professor, he taught Economics at Agnes Scott College for 30 years, retiring in 1995. While at Agnes Scott and into his retirement, he became a well-respected arbitrator, resolving many disputes between labor and management. In his early career, he worked for Merck & Co. and Celanese. He served in the Army with the 30th Engineer Group stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, California from 1956-1958. He received an undergraduate degree in Business and Religion at Kentucky Wesleyan College, a Masters in Business Administration from University of Missouri, Columbia and his Ph.D. in Economics from George State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Ed was a dedicated teacher and educator, as well as an avid reader, philosopher, humorist, writer, woodworker, tennis player, and dog lover. As a young man, Ed was a sports phenom, excelling in basketball, baseball, tennis, and golf. Ed was on the Georgia All-Star Basketball team representing Savannah High School, gaining the nickname Spider Johnson. From Savannah High School Ed went on to play basketball at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky where he was on a full basketball scholarship. He was very active as Senior Class president. For more than 25 years Ed spent quality time in Highlands, North Carolina, his home away from home, until his health began to fail. A devoted dog person, he will be missed by all the four-legged friends he cared for, particularly his long-time sidekick Jeremiah. Ed will be remembered by his children as a great champion of all their pursuits. Showing keen interest in every project, every work dilemma, every success and challenge, he was a thoughtful listener and gave sage advice. Ed is survived by his wife Jan of 60 years and his three daughters, Sabrina, Kristin (Joe Lerer), and Heather. In addition to his parents, Ed's brother Ron and his beloved son Mark preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 6th at 3pm at the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel on the Agnes Scott College campus off East Dougherty Street. After the service, the family will be receiving guests at the Mary Brown Bullock Science Center, directly across the lawn from the chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Atlanta Pet Rescue or a charity of your choice.
A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, Decatur, GA.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033