Max Howell Johnson, of Mantee, MS, passed away June 12 after 93 years of a life well lived.

He was born on November 15, 1932, in Mantee, the 11th child of David Wesley Johnson and Edna Lee Scott Johnson. He lived his whole life in Mantee and was always so proud to call Mantee his home. He was a lifelong member of Mantee Baptist Church and served many years on the board for Mt Pleasant Cemetery Association.

Max grew up helping his father and family farm the land he lived on until his death. He attended Mantee Grammar School and Cumberland High School where he played basketball for Coach Sam Henderson, a man he greatly admired. He continued his love of basketball at East Mississippi Junior College (EMCC) in Scooba in the early 50’s and then on to Delta State University to play ball. He was so fast on the court he was nicknamed the Mantee Flash! After college, Max enlisted in the US Army and became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, later returning to Mantee and raised a family. He retired from work life after owning Nu-Way Cash & Carry Building Supply for many years. People would come for what they needed at Nu-Way and often stayed for the conversation with Max.

Around Mantee and Webster County, seems everyone had a Max Johnson story, and usually Max had one about them too. He could tell a story better than just about anyone, often leaving those around him laughing, shaking their heads, or asking for another. He never met a stranger, and it seemed that wherever he went, he made a friend. His warm personality, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made him a person people naturally gravitated toward.

He loved and was loved by so many! He had an address book full of college friends, Army friends, local friends, and family that he called all the time! If he wasn’t on the phone checking in on someone, he was either going to Morris Grocery for a coke and candy bar, reading books about World War II or watching the news, westerns, Robert Jeffress preach, or Ole Miss sports.

Max measured success not by accomplishments or possessions, but by relationships! He invested in people, loved his family deeply, worked hard, and lived with a grateful and joyful heart. The friendships he built, the stories he shared, and the kindness he showed others will remain long after his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Curtis Stevens Johnson, who passed away as a child, his first wife, Mary Stevens Johnson and his siblings: Olar (Marietta) Johnson, Owen (Dotsie) Johnson, Boyce (Beatrice) Johnson, Lois (Clinton) Caradine, Earlene (LeRoy) King, Tom (Dora Mae) Johnson, Wayne (Nick) Johnson, Virginia (Arnold) Duncan, Glenda (Ruble) Duncan, and Jimmie (Ann) Johnson.

Max leaves behind his wife, Marie Skelton Johnson, his son Jody (Laurie) Johnson, his daughter, Mary Margaret (John) Williams, his stepsons, Van (Kelley) Hardin and Matt (Neshia) Hardin, his grandchildren, Zach (Danae) Williams, Anna (Hayden) Nickels, Claire (Zach) Crimm, Josie (Austin) Cunningham, Austin Hardin, Will Hardin, John Wesley Hardin, Maggie Hardin and nine great-grandchildren: Coleigh Crimm, Wyatt Whitehurst, Ava Cole Nickels, Mary Hayden Nickels, Conlee Crimm, Sawyer Crimm, twins Logan & Max Cunningham, and Polly Nickels. While his family will miss his voice and his presence, they find comfort in knowing that his was a life filled with purpose, laughter, and Christian love for others! He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured by all who knew him.

Funeral Visitation will be at Mantee Baptist Church, Tuesday, June 16, from 9am – 11am. Funeral Service will follow at 11am. If weather permits, there will be a graveside service at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Mantee after the funeral.

Pallbearers will be his nephews/great-nephews Jim Howell Johnson, Chris Stevens, Jeff Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Doug Wilson, and Trent Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers are Robbie Harrington, Kent Wyatt, Nick Clark, Wayne Lee, Jimmy Stevens, Eddie Strickland, Wes Johnson, Mark Boyd, Doug Burgess, Hart Beatty, Tony Gregory, Leon Morris and all the men that congregated at Morris Grocery.

If you wish to send a memorial gift, please make your donation in Max’s memory to the building fund at Mantee Baptist Church, P O Box 161, Mantee, MS 39751 or the Mt Pleasant Cemetery Association, 91 E. Griffin Rd, Mantee, MS 39751.