Johnnie Vereen, 79, outdoorsman and storyteller
February 15, 2024
John LeGrande Vereen Jr. died Feb. 6 in Pawleys Island. He was 79.
Known as Johnnie, he was born Aug. 17, 1944 in Florence, the son of John “Happy” LeGrande Vereen and Mary Margaret “Mullet” McLaughlin Vereen. He graduated from Wampee High School and was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He attended Pembroke State University in North Carolina, where he met and married Phyllis Pittman in 1968.
He was an avid fisherman, hunter and massive storyteller.
In addition to his ex-wife, he is survived by their three children, John LeGrande Vereen III, Justin “Scooter” Vereen (Penny Blanton-Vereen) of Pawleys Island, and Julie C. Vereen (William Watson) of Charleston; and his grandchildren, Bailey, Chandler, Sara Happy, Justin B. Vereen, Jonathon and Elizabeth Vermont. He is also survived by his long-time caretaker and third wife, Laurie Ritchie Woods and her son, Walker Woods.
In addition to his parents, his sister, Anne Vereen, and his brother, Ralph “Bubby” Vereen, died before him, as did his second wife, Miriam Watson Cline Vereen.
In lieu of flowers , memorials may be made to the charity or animal shelter of your choice.
