Johnny Easterling

Mr. Johnny Wiley Easterling was the eleventh child born to the late Durant and Bessie Easterling in Chesterfield, South Carolina on October 14th 1959. Johnny lost his valiant fight to kidney cancer on August 4th 2025 at his home in peace surrounded by family and pets. His family, loved ones, colleagues, and friends will miss him dearly.

Raised in rural South Carolina, Johnny spent his early years picking cotton and working the fields as the child of sharecroppers - an experience he often credited for shaping his unshakable work ethic. Those formative years taught him the value of persistence, humility, and hard work. As a boy, he found pride and purpose in his involvement with 4-H, especially enjoying soil judging competitions. Johnny treasured the closeness of his large family and the joy of growing up surrounded by his siblings. The strong bonds they shared and the lessons of resilience from his upbringing remained with him throughout his life.

A man of determination and driven spirit, Johnny founded his own real estate company and became a successful commercial broker. He was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, integrity, and astounding work ethic - qualities that left a lasting impression on clients and colleagues alike. He treated his employees and clients with equal respect, as he did with everyone he met; thus, many of his clients and customers became lifelong friends. Whether working on a major deal or helping someone just starting out, Johnny approached every relationship with fairness, kindness, and genuine care. His astounding work ethic and strong moral compass left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

Outside of work, Johnny found peace and joy in nature, especially near the water. He loved fishing - particularly kayak fishing - and spent countless hours exploring lakes, rivers, and the open sea. One of his favorite places on earth was Indian Pass, Florida, where he felt most at home casting a line at sunrise or paddling on his kayak through the serene bay. He had a deep love for the rhythm of the tide and the calm that only the sea could bring. Whether it was the thrill of a good catch, the stillness of a glassy morning, or simply walking the shoreline, Johnny found serenity and comfort in every moment spent by the water. Above all else, he cherished sharing those peaceful experiences with his family, who meant everything to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Durant and Bessie Easterling; his sister Earnestine Easterling; his brothers Fred Easterling and Amos Easterling; his mother in law Deborah Green; his sister in law Kristi Green; his grand nephew, Xavier Thomas, and his beloved border collie Parks.. The memories Johnny created will live on in the hearts of his devoted wife and best friend Kerri Easterling, his daughter Norah Wiley Easterling, and his son Ethan Johnny Easterling. He is also remembered dearly by his brothers; Jimmy and Kenny Easterling of Hartsville, SC; and six sisters Geraldine Thomas, Bessie Lewis, both of Orangeburg, SC. Barbara Easterling, Corine (John) Sanders, Irene Easterling all of Florence, SC; and Rosanna (Roald) Opsahl of Ørje, Norway. He also will be cherished and missed by a multitude of nieces and nephews.