"TO GOD BE THE GLORY"

There was so much joy on October 18, 1943 when Johnny Scippio Jr. was born to Johnny Boston Scippio, Sr. and Gertrude Henry Scippio. They had been married ten years before their precious "Junior" was born. He was adorable with big eyes and a sweet disposition. Gert and Johnny B. worked in the factories of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and provided a stable home for the family at 2010 Temple Street in Reynoldstown. Junior would become a big brother to William Rogers, Robert Tyrone, Annette Yvonne, Donald Ray, Kent Lee and Rondy Michael. The boys attended Skyland Elementary and Atkins High School.

Junior was very popular and knew "everyone" in the community, particularly because he was the paper boy. Everyone called him "Sip". At nineteen years old, he lost his left leg. That changed the course of his life. Sip learned the value of living simply with humility and purpose. He married Vivian Virginia Crews and established their family which included her daughter, Denise and grandchildren, Tenisha and "GG". Their marriage lasted 49 years until her death in 2012.

A life-changing event happened when Johnny joined Emmanuel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sir Walter Mack, Sr. He served as a trustee for many years and sang on most of the choirs. His purpose and focus were to provide for his family and serve his God. He held deep convictions about being self-sufficient, working, voting, and being responsible. His favorite pastime was fellowship with family. There were numerous gatherings at 416 E. 27th Street where 50+ family members and friends would gather to enjoy his legendary fried fish and fried chicken. There were frequent trips to visit family in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Atlanta. He also liked to go fishing, play cards, watch sports, especially wrestling, football and NASCAR. Trips to Disney World and Caribbean cruises were a highlight. Over the years, his professional life included being a barber at Mr. Moore's shop on Liberty St., a television repairman at Goodwill Industries, working at Douglas Battery Company and being a security guard at the Piedmont Farmer's Market. Since 1998, his siblings called him, "the Ultimate One" for he called them daily. The daily calls were so appreciated and expected. He was the glue that kept the family together in love.

Several years ago, he began a relationship with Joyce Truitt. She brought much joy to him. They became engaged and she became his sole companion. They were "foodies" delighting in many food dishes at home, in restaurants and during travels. Through her, he joined the Rise 'N Fly Card Club.

He deeply loved his grandchildren, Tenisha Brown (Jody), George O'Neal (Shaneka); and his great-grands, Jaden Brown, Kyson Brown, Kensley Brown, Hyleigh Gemma O'Neal, Braceigh O'Neal, Geremih O'Neal, Malachi O'Neal, Jackson Duke O'Neal, and Ashton Johnson; his siblings, Annette, Kent, and Rondy have been richly blessed by having him as their big brother. Loving memories will be in the hearts of his fifteen nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews, many cousins, numerous friends, co- workers and neighbors.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25: 21

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, October 4, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.