Harold Lionel Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was born on March 5, 1937, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and grew up in Aynor, South Carolina. Harold graduated from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. During that time, he served in the Navy Reserves in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduating from Newberry College, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he began his career as a history teacher at Terry Parker High School. It was there that he met the love of his life—who he called the “most beautiful girl in the world”—Shirley Ann Martin. That meeting led to a beautiful marriage of 63 years.

Harold left teaching shortly after their marriage in 1963 to join Martin Coffee Company, which was founded by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Amy Martin. He spent the next six decades serving as salesman, vice president, and ultimately president of Martin Coffee Company. He had a true gift for building relationships and friendships throughout the coffee and business world. He was well respected, not just for his work ethic, but for the way he treated people—with respect, kindness, honesty, and a genuine interest in others. He was a man of honor, and business deals were done with a handshake.

He served as President of the Jacksonville Executive Association and President of the Southern Coffee Association.

As much as he enjoyed his work, nothing meant more to him than spending time with his family. His favorite title was “Papa,” and he wore it proudly. He adored his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren more than anything.

He was an amazing storyteller and jokester. He would take his family back to Aynor and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, several times a year throughout his life, sharing memories of growing up on the farm in Aynor and spending his summers selling hot dogs on the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach.

In his free time, Harold enjoyed the simple things in life. You could often find him on golf cart rides in his Ponte Vedra Beach neighborhood with his faithful dog, Leo, sitting in his driveway getting a suntan, or listening to his favorite gospel hymns or his Myrtle Beach music and shag dancing. Fun fact: He and Shirley won countless shag dancing contests in Myrtle Beach during their younger days.

Harold was predeceased by his parents, Edward Pickens and Beatrice Johnson of Aynor, South Carolina, and his sister, Jonelle Harrelson of Florence, South Carolina.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann Martin Johnson; his daughters, Alicia Michols (Kelly) and Jennifer Grenadier; his son, Ben Johnson; and his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Davis, Riley, and Carson Michols, and Emma, Max, and Jane Grenadier. He leaves behind countless friends, especially his cardiac rehab group that called themselves “The Grateful Undead.”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, followed by a private family burial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Beaches Council on Aging for Dial-A-Ride in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, or Community Hospice.

Harold’s favorite color was blue. In his honor, the family invites those attending to wear blue.