Johnnie Smalls, Sr.

Brother Johnnie Smalls Sr was born on November 9,1939 in Green Pond, SC to the late James Smalls and Annie Gillard. He was called home on to eternal rest on June 3, 2025, in Walterboro, SC. He was one of nine siblings, of which five proceeded him in death (Georgia Mae, Harry, Louis, Marie, and Prince).

As a youth, he received his education in Colleton County School System.   He later moved to New York as a young adult.  As fate would have it, he met Sol Williams, Richard Rivers and Henry Moore.  This band of brotherhood would lead him to the love of his life.   It would be Sol that introduced Johnny to a young Elizabeth “Liz” Williams.  In 1962 the two would become one.  From this union three sons were born (Johnnie “Junie”, Danny, and Shawn).

For over 30 years, Johnnie was employed with Imperial Coat Front.  He and Elizabeth lived and raised their family in Brooklyn, NY for many years before he retired to Ritter, SC.  Here he reconnected with family and friends while enjoying his passion for fishing. He also joined St. Paul CME Church.  In his later years he could be seen travelling back and forth from Ritter to Brooklyn with his son Junie.  Johnnie was known for ending every call with “Don’t forget to say your prayers”. Small in stature he had a big personality.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Elizabeth; three sons Johnnie “Junie” (Leslie) of New York, Danny of California and Shawn (Janine) of New York; one daughter Clara (Daron) of South Carolina, two sisters- Flossy (James) of South Carolina and Dorothy of New York; one brother William of Connecticut: one sister-in-law Lilly of New York, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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