Johnny Pete Kissiah

Hartsville, SC

It is with very heavy hearts that the Kissiah family announces the passing of Johnny Pete Kissiah.  Johnny passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the Hospice House in Florence with his family by his side.

Johnny was born September 4, 1951 the only son and oldest child of Jessie L. “Pat” Kissiah and Martha Elizabeth Smith Kissiah.  Johnny grew up in Pine Ridge and loved to walk.  He could be seen pretty much every day, sometimes twice a day making his rounds in the Ridge.  He also loved Lake Robinson Rescue Squad and Pine Ridge Fire Department.  He loved old country music, old gospel songs, NASCAR, coloring, his dog Rascal, and having control of the TV remote.  But first and before all other, he loved the Lord.

There is no doubt Johnny Pete had a one way ticket, straight to Heaven.  And there is no doubt when he arrived the reunion waiting on him was by far more than any of us can imagine.

Many don’t know the strength this man has shown in the last nine months, since being diagnosed with Leukemia.  Not once did he complain of anything.  Not a test, not a treatment, not one single ache or pain..  He faced it with the most Amazing attitude.  His reply was always, “I’m gonna fight this and beat it.” “I’m gonna get better and I’m gonna go home.”  And he meant that.  He was always positive and he was our strength when, we should have been his.  He has been our hero, the bravest person we’ve ever seen.  I’ve never been more proud of  anyone in my life.  If we could be half the warrior Johnny Pete was, we will be truly blessed.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

7. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Mary Kissiah, Pine Ridge, Joy (Joel) Oliver, Chesterfield; niece, Michelle Shoemake; nephew, Jason Oliver, his big buddy, his ride or die, his trusty sidekick, his best friend, Brent Shoemake; great nephews, Baylor Oliver and Dustin Oliver; special cousins and caregivers Jimmy and Tami Smith; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family request in honor of Johnny please wear casual clothes to the services.

Services of Remembrance will be held 2:00pm Saturday at Pine Ridge Holiness Church.  Rev. Phillip Jones, Mr. Ritchie Bradshaw and Mr. Zachary Bradshaw will officiate, directed by Norton Funeral Home and Crematory.  Visitation will follow the services.

Norton Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to be of service to the Kissiah family.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Norton Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.