Johnie Edgar Boxley
Johnie Edgar Boxley
Johnie Edgar Boxley, 92, of Manning, SC, residing with his daughter in Marianna, FL, died surrounded by his loved ones on December 31, 2025.
He was born in Tecumseh, Oklahoma in 1933 to biological parents and was raised by his aunt and uncle, Thomas and Garnet Granell of Casper, Wyoming who lovingly cared for him. Johnie joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18. He spent twenty-three years in faithful service with the Air Force in the Philippines, Germany, and Japan as well as other locations and received an honorable discharge in 1975.
Johnie met the love of his life, Shirley Cook, in 1952 through a friend, and then began a military pen pal correspondence with her. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married shortly after they began dating in 1952 in Montana.
They had three children together: Bonita Boxley, Patrick Boxley, and Shirley Boxley.
Johnie and Shirley had a soft spot for their furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. They raised Dachshunds & Cockatiels and gave love to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and squirrels.
Johnie was passionate about his as role as Chief of Clarendon County Fire Department. Working for the establishment for over 25 years, he was awarded firefighter of the year in 1978 and 1992. His family recalls always hearing his radio dispatching fire calls, even after he had retired.
Johnie was an active member of Santee Baptist Church, devoting his time and energy to leading others to Christ. He served as a deacon of the church for several years and loved to work with the youth in the church.
Everyone who knew Johnie knew how much he loved lawncare, fishing, and taking care of the family’s animals. While on base, Johnie came across an abandoned beagle puppy and decided to bring it home. The little pup cried nonstop, so they affectionately named it ‘Crybaby.’ Crybaby ended up being one of Johnie’s all-time favorite pets.
Johnie will always be remembered for his love for Christ, his love of his family and the way that he loved other people. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “May the good Lord bless you” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, brother, and friend, and we will miss Johnie every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Johnie was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Garnet Granell; wife, Shirley M. Boxley; son, Patrick A. Boxley; and daughter, Bonita Paschke.
He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Boxley Watts and husband, Harmon; grandsons, Daniel R. Hutchinson and wife Tammy, Sean Paschke and wife, Caroline; granddaughters, Teresa M. Jones and husband Victor, Tamara L. Geddings and husband, Joshua, Sarah P. Stanaland, and Amie C. Watts. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Santee Baptist Church with the Rev. Adam Wilson and the Rev. Gene Mosier officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Clarendon Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. at Santee Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santee Baptist Church for Romanian Missions, 12960 Hwy 260, Manning, SC 29102.
James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in charge of local arrangements.