Robert Harry "Bob" Johnson

Robert Harry "Bob" Johnson, 78, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, husband of Jill Berry Johnson entered into eternal rest Sunday, January 28, 2024. His Funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the chapel following the service.

Robert was born November 7, 1945 in Nuremberg, Germany, son of the late Edwin Claude Johnson and the late Margerete Gropp Johnson. He was naturalized in 1954 and became a US citizen. He traveled with his family living in Japan, Korea, Germany, Texas, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Indiana, and finally South Carolina. He was a track star at Brookland-Cayce High School class of 1964, home of the Bearcats. Attending the University of South Carolina class of 1968, he graduated with a degree in history and a commission into the US Air Force as well as a new sports team, Go Gamecocks! Robert completed USAF pilot training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. Robert was awarded an assignment to Norton AFB, CA flying the C-141A model. Hours were built quickly flying the pacific routes to Vietnam for four years. After Vietnam, Robert served as a TALO in Korea at Camp Red Cloud. Robert completed maintenance school and was assigned to CAFB (Charleston Air Force Base), SC taking care of 54 to 58 C-141’s. Returning to a flying assignment Robert requalified in the C-141A/B. Advancing quickly, Robert became an Evaluator pilot qualified as a Lead Airdrop, SOLL II, PNAF, and Berlin Corridor Certifier. Robert also completed the AF safety investigator school and completed two class A C-141 mishap investigations. Robert was the chief pilot and assistant operations officer for the 20th MAS. Finishing his career as a 437th MAW evaluator pilot. Robert then started an airline career with Northwest Airlines flying the 727, which later became Delta Airlines. Robert married his wife Jill on December 31, 1992 and became the father of two daughters Pam and Brianna. In 1995 Robert started with the C-17 ATS program where he shared his passion for aeronautics as an instructor for generations of families. Surviving several contract changes Robert maintained his position with the C-17 ATS program. He was an airland/airdrop IP under Boeing, he was their check airman. Robert had a distinguished career as a pilot and retired as a Major in the US Air Force.

He was a decorated Veteran with the following medals and achievements: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal with three devices, Small Arms Expert Pistol, Armed Force Expeditionary with One Device, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with Four Devices, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Service Short Tour Ribbon with One Device, AF Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with Seven Devices, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Three Devices, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was involved in his community, enjoying membership in the Charleston Rifle Club, Military Officers Association of America, the Isle of Palms VFW, and he was known to be a bowling champion as a member of the SCUSBC. Robert was a sports car and motorcycle enthusiast and delighted in annual cruises. He will be remembered most for the way he loved his family and animals.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jill Johnson of Mt. Pleasant; daughters, Pamela Susanne Todd (Logan) and Brianna Lauren Cogliano (Daniel); sister, Saundra Lee Drafts; nephew, Michael George Drafts; nieces, Christy Drafts Fry (Tony), Karen Goff Daniels, Dawn Goff Ford; great nephews, Jimmy Daniels, John Michael Browder, Levi Ford, Coy Ford, Austin Drafts; great nieces, Christina Daniels, Jaime Leah Busby, Megan Drafts Borren, Cherokee Drafts; great great niece, Ava Grace Croson; grandchildren, Taylor James Breaux, Jasmine Lynn Howard, Dylan Pryce Joseph Todd, Katelynn Nichole Todd and Aidan Asher Cogliano; great grandchildren, Teaghan Caroline McConnell, Wyatt Wayne Breaux; and his dog Sir Clarence Cousteau Johnson.