Mr. Percy Edward Johnson, Jr.

Celebrating The Life Of Percy Edward Johnson Jr.: Mr. Percy E. Johnson, Jr. was born in Camden, Alabama on July 13, 1940, to the late Percy Johnson, Sr. and Clara Bussey Johnson. Years after moving from Camden, Alabama to Detroit, MI Percy accepted Christ and was baptized in Jesus' Name at New Creation Church of the Apostolic Faith. After graduating high school and moving to Detroit Michigan, Percy met his first wife, Ella Faye Wilbon (Washington). To that union 5 children were born; Timothy, Percy, Semekia, Tinesha, and Lawrence. Percy and Faye remained friends throughout the years and had great respect for one another. On March 19, 1994 Percy married Velma Johnson, they had one son, Dekoven. Percy took pride in protecting and providing for his family. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to work hard and excel at whatever they do. Percy retired from General Motors, Inc., in 2002 after working there for over 30 plus years. He took pride in his work and stated that had he not gotten sick, he would have worked for another 10 years. He was recognized by General Motors for his excellent attendance and he was also instrumental in working with the union to ensure safe and fair labor practices. Many of his close friends often tell stories of how Percy would pick them up for work when they didn’t have transportation. He was a true friend and would do whatever it took to help someone maintain their employment. Percy believed in civil rights and encouraged everyone to make a difference and exercise their right to vote. He did not miss voting in an election and one of his proudest moments was when Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States. Percy was also humbled to have the opportunity to march with Dr. Martin Luther King during the Walk to Freedom March in Detroit on June 23, 1963. He was one of many to have the opportunity to hear Dr. King deliver his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech which was given weeks later in Washington, D.C. Percy was a strong, hardworking man. In his younger years, he loved riding his motorcycle and working on cars. He was proud of his work as an auto mechanic and knew everything there was to know about cars; often repairing the cars of close family and friends for free. Percy also loved fishing with his brothers, cooking for family members (he made the best BBQ sauce and ribs), and most of all he loved spending time with family. He understood perfectly how good food and fellowship went hand in hand. You could not visit his home without being asked “Would you like something to eat?” Percy was a Super Hero to many. His strength could be felt in his conversation and in his silence. He fought cancer like a champion and set an impeccable example of perseverance, tenacity, and resilience. He never quit, he never stopped fighting, and he never stopped working to make things better for everyone around him. Although he is taking his rest now, the impact that he had on family friends will live on forever. His nickname, Big Foot, was rightly given; but the largest part of him was not his feet but rather his heart. Percy took his rest on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.

Mr. Percy Edward Johnson, Jr.

July 13, 1940 - July 25, 2018