Mr. Johnny Peay

Mr. Johnny Peay entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Ridgeway, South Carolina on June 13, 1941, he was the son of the late Johnny Tucker and Geneva (Peay) Rearden. Johnny lived a life that truly exemplified generosity, support, and love for his family, friends, and others. Those who were fortunate to have met him instantly experienced his gift of laughter and profound knowledge of life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, driving around town and eating a good meal. Johnny was affectionately known as “Duboy” and “PaPa” by his family and friends.

He completed his early education at Monteith Elementary and Anna Boyd Middle School. Later he attended C.A. Johnson High School and graduated from Bethel High School in 1960 with the ambition of becoming a mathematician. Being a dedicated and hard worker following high school, he began his professional career in two simultaneous positions at The State Hospital and Smoak Furniture Company, both in Columbia, South Carolina.  During this time, he married Tommie Jean Lorick, who would become his lifelong companion and her “Mr. Wonderful.” He also worked for the Richland County Jail and was promoted to the lieutenant rank.  Later in his law enforcement career he held positions as a bail bondsman at Palmetto Bonding Company, followed by ABC Bonding Company.  After spending over 30 years in law enforcement, Johnny retired, but never stopped faithfully serving his community. He also later volunteered at a local fruit and vegetable stand on North Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina, where he made many acquaintances who always remember “Mr. Peay” for his willingness to help anyone in need.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Though he is no longer physically with us, his loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all who loved and knew him. 

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Willie Peay, and a grandson, Alvin Cochran, Jr.

Left to cherish his legacy and loving memory are: his wife of fifty-nine years, Mrs. Tommie Jean Peay of the home; his children, Ramona Huff of West Columbia, SC, Wanda Corbitt of Irmo, SC, Jonathan (Yolanda) Peay of Dalzell, SC, and Kevin Peay of Irmo, SC;  a special Godson, Johnny (Phyllis) Brown; two brothers, Samuel (Lillian) Peay of Columbia, SC, and Sylvester (Ozelia) Tucker of Ridgeway, SC, a sister, Christine Murphy, of Ridgeway, SC; twelve grandchildren: Shakieya Corbitt, John Corbitt III, Shaquetta Barton-Davis (Vincent), Toniqua Mikell, Kaylyn Thompson (Marquis), Nakia Barton, Gregory Pugh II, Kevin Peay Jr., Aaliyah Peay, Darrell Herriott, Jadan Williams, and Jaden Herriott; ten great grandchildren: Alvin Cochran, III, Breanna Boykin, Brittany Corbitt, Alaisia Cochran, Kingston Corbitt, Vincent Davis II, Angela Davis, Skylar Timmons, Karter Barton, and Marquis Thompson, Jr.; five sisters-in-law, four brothers- in-law; a special aunt, Ms. Ruth Bowman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will dearly miss him.

For precautions of COVID 19, a memorial service in the celebration of Mr. Johnny Peay’s life will be held at a later date.

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