Hardy Johnson had a love for Fountain City and his customers at the Custom Shoe Rebuilders on N. Broadway. And that love was returned in the honors he received – Fountain City Man of the Year, Grand Marshal of the Fountain City Christmas Parade and a day-long birthday party at the shop when he turned 93.
Mr. Johnson passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, and will be honored once more as the family receives friends today (3/28/24) from 5-7 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home in Halls and gathers for graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Fort Sumter Community Cemetery. His obituary is here.
His son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Teresa Johnson, were with Mr. Johnson when he died. Jimmy has run Custom Shoe Rebuilders in recent years; he started working there when he was 12.
Anne Brock from WVLT was there to document the 93rd birthday. She reported that neighbors brought cards, a cake and even canned goods for Hardy. He had opened his shop after returning from the Korean War in 1953.
James and Ellen Perry interviewed Mr. Johnson in December 2022. Their story was published online at Historic Union County.
From his military service to his attention to detail in running his business for 68 years, Hardy Johnson set a high bar. He will be missed.