Marquis Arnold Johnson (August 14, 1947 - April 13, 2021)

In loving memory of
Marquis Arnold Johnson
  • August 14, 1947
  • -
  • April 13, 2021

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Obituary

Marquis (Mark) Arnold Johnson, 73, of Ft. Myers, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13th, 2021. His wife and two sons were by his side when he passed away from respiratory failure due to COVID. He was born on August 14th, 1947 in Roanoke, VA and lived most of his life in Bluefield where he graduated from Bluefield High School, class of 1965. After receiving his Industrial Engineering Degree from Auburn University in 1970, he returned to Bluefield to work in two family businesses.

He was Vice President of Pocahontas Welding Supply until 1986 when he transitioned to Pemco Corporation. Mark served in various leadership roles while at Pemco and subsequently became the President and COO until his retirement in 2015. He was also involved with several trade associations where he made lifelong friends. Mark was a true leader, mentor, and teacher to many at the business. Mark was kind, patient, honest, generous and had the utmost integrity.

Those qualities were also exhibited in his personal life as he was devoted to his wife and family. He married his childhood sweetheart of 70 plus years and they were the most compatible pair traveling extensively together and with family and friends. Mark was always involved with his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He actively served on various boards and groups to improve the quality of whatever organization that was a part of his family at the time.

His greatest purpose in life was serving the Lord Jesus Christ. He led by example and not by proclamation. He was never boastful, but always gentle and affable. He was a true example of living a Christian life in his work, home, church, and among all his friends every day.
He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Bluefield, WV. His dedication and service to church was evident as he served as an Elder all his adult life. He was Board Chairman and served in various leadership roles. He touched many lives in that church and beyond without even knowing. His calm demeanor and fierce strength in his dedication to the church and doing the Lord’s work was always his goal. Any initiative was never about himself, but only for the glory of God. He was a dedicated supporter of the Bluefield Union Mission and was generous with several charities in the community.

Mark enjoyed his time playing golf with his friends and family and was a fierce competitor, but also enjoyed a good belly laugh. He was a dedicated member of the Bluefield High School class of 1965 reunion committee where he worked tirelessly alongside his friends always planning the next reunion.

Mark retired to the Gulf Harbour Community in Ft. Myers, FL. where he quickly became involved and enjoyed hosting his friends and family. He played numerous rounds of golf with his newfound friends at what he referred to as “the office”. He was an associate member of Cypress Lakes Methodist Church, where he had the opportunity of traveling to Israel, The Holy Land.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Virginia Johnson, his brother David Johnson.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan Sowers Johnson of Ft. Myers, his sister Joyce Johnson Timberlake and partner Drew Hardin of Ft. Myers. Two sons Jay and his wife Beth of Bluefield, WV, and Jeff and his wife Amy of Charlotte, NC. Four granddaughters, Caroline Elizabeth, 24, of Morgantown, WV, Virginia Ruth, 21, of Bluefield, WV, Margaret (Maggie) Kaye, 10, and Elizabeth (Eliza) James, 8, of Charlotte, NC. Sister in Law Julie Johnson of Richmond, VA.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Mark on April 29th, 2021 at First Christian Church, 2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV. Visitation at 12:30 followed by the service at 2:00 to be officiated by close friend and Pastor Doug McDaniel. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to First Christian Church ( http://www.bluefieldfcc.com ), the Bluefield Union Mission, or the South Fort Myers Food Pantry (sfmfoodpantry.com).


Instead of flowers, the family would prefer if you would make a donation to
First Christian Church ( http://www.bluefieldfcc.com ), the Bluefield Union Mission, or the South Fort Myers Food Pantry (sfmfoodpantry.com)

Tribute Wall

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  1. Harry Tyree and Pam says:
    21 Apr 2021
    Dear Susan, Jay , Jeff and families,
    We were so greatly saddened to hear of Mark's passing. He was a man of character and integrity and dedication to his Lord and Savior.
    I had several occasions where he and I rode for hours on the way to and from golf destinations. I treasure those times as some of the most enjoyable I've ever spent with a friend. The conversations were endless. In recent years we had few encounters, but no matter how long the separation, I was always met with a big hug. Once a friend , always a friend. He has left a huge void in many lives, but we know where he is. We also know that we will see him again someday. He left a legacy of what is good in life. I know I will miss him forever!

    Harry and Pam Tyree

  2. Harry Tyree and Pam says:
    21 Apr 2021
    Dear Susan, Jay, Jeff and. families,
    It was with great sadness. I learned of the passing of Mark. He was quite a remarkable man! I regret that I had little opportunity to spend time with him these past few years. But no matter how long it had been since we had seen each other, when we met. there was always a
    big hug. I know of no man that I enjoyed the fellowship of more than Mark. It was always fun to be with him. And I always enjoyed the long drives we made to all the golf destinations. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. He brought so much to the world and the void he leaves behind is great. We rejoice in knowing where he is now and know we will see him again before too long. We send up our prayers for those left behind. We pray that God will comfort you during this difficult. time.
    Love, Harry and Pam

  3. Calvin & Carol Kidd says:
    19 Apr 2021
    We just want to say Thank You for sharing your Husband, Father and Grandfather with us for many years. There are so many precious memories we have from fellowship, dinners, coal related activities, golf and just genuine fun. He was a very special man God let us enjoy and love for a little while. Guess HE needed him more than us. Was told many years ago, "you measure a man's success in how he handles success". Mark was truly successful, loved by many and his memory will last for years to come. We pray for comfort and peace for the entire family.

  4. Letha says:
    17 Apr 2021
    I thoroughly enjoyed working as Mark’s secretary and will always be grateful to him for making my job so rewarding and memorable. It was a real pleasure preparing for show events and working on special projects, plus answering his calls and talking with his friends and business associates on a personal basis. Also, thanks to Mark, I’ll always treasure having the opportunity to experience Hokie Fever with my family by attending numerous Virginia Tech games. I thought it was very special that we shared one common interest: Fort Myers. I’ve always loved his family for the overflowing kindness and generosity shown to my family over the years.
    He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by his classmates, business associates, and vast array of friends.
    I know he’s enjoying his new “office” in Heaven! May God bless his family!

  5. Letha lit a candle:
    17 Apr 2021
    Lit since April 17, 2021 at 4:35:56 PM

  6. Bob Niebauer says:
    17 Apr 2021
    Mark was a great guy. I always enjoyed when I was paired up in the same foursome of golf with Mark because I was sure the golf was going to be lots of fun. He will be greatly missed at Gulf Harbour. RIP.

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