Rodger James Johnson Sr.

Minister Rodger James “Bucky” Johnson, Sr., 78 of Coatesville, PA went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. 

Rodger was born in South Coatesville, PA on September 5, 1942, the son of Dorothy I. (Johnson) Harrell, and the late James Leroy Davis, Sr.  He was raised by his great grandmother, Hattie Harris who was a strong influence in his life.

Rodger was educated in the Coatesville School District where he excelled in football and baseball.  In his heyday, he played in the black baseball league for the Green Dragon baseball team, and the Coatesville City Twilight League from 1955 to 1957.  He was the first black football assistant coach in the Chester County Ches-Mont League.  After graduating from S. Horace Scott Senior High School in 1961, Rodger furthered his education attending Cheney University earning a BA Degree in Political Science.  While in college he pledged and joined  Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

For 19 years Rodger was employed as a Program Administrator at the Chester County Youth Detention Center in West Chester.  He also was employed as a teacher at Coatesville High School where he taught history. He also did substitute teaching.  In addition, Rodger worked for PennDOT in highway maintenance.

Bucky, as he was affectionately known, was very active, serving on Coatesville’s City Council for 8 years during which time he served as city council President.  His guiding principle and motivation were building up the community, helping and enhancing the lives of others.

Bucky was always for the underdog and always about justice.  He did not follow the status quo.

Some of Bucky’s favorite hobbies were painting, drawing, reading and writing.

Bucky was a former member of the Elks Mount Vernon Lodge 151, and the Mason’s Lilly of the Valley, Lodge #59.  Later in life he became a minister of the gospel serving at Christian Faith Fellowship in Downingtown, PA and the Christian Life Center in South Coatesville.  His favorite scriptures were Psalm 23, Psalm 90, Psalm 139, and Proverbs 3:5-6.

He enjoyed listening to gospel music, the blues, and jazz played by the legendary Miles Davis.  A place dear to his heart was the continent of Africa and he had the pleasure of traveling to several African countries.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sharon Hunter and Sharon Davis, and two brothers, James Leroy Davis, Jr., and Frank Davis, one grandson, David C. Johnson, and one stepdaughter, Juanita “Neicey” Jacks.

He is survived by his wife, Viola L. Johnson; mother, Dorothy I, Harrell; children; Lisa Johnson (and Clayton), Tracey Johnson, Rodger Johnson, Jr., Stefanie Gadsden (and James), Kareem Johnson, Sr., (and Mona); stepchildren, Maurice Hardy, and Barry Hardy (and Marjorie); brothers, Reginald Harrell, Ronald Harrell, and Tyrone Davis, (and Delores): one sister, Mercedes “Duffy” Hills (and James); 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Rodger touched and influenced many lives.  He will be remembered.

Homegoing Services will be held 11:00 AM, on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Gateway Church, 160 Cowan Road Parkesburg, PA. 
A viewing will be held beginning at 9:00 A.M. until the service time.

WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom beginning at 10:45 AM on Saturday Aug 7th.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82313819427?pwd=SHZPSWVpSDlOd2JGbEJtaEZWZXFyQT09

Meeting ID: 823 1381 9427
Passcode: wright

Interment will be held in New Evergreen Cemetery, Coatesville, PA.

Condolences may be shared by using the guestbook link on this memorial page.

Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service. The theme color is red.

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