A Life Well Lived; Deacon Johnny Lee Lorick was born to the late Henry and Margaret Lorick on May 13, 1942 in Saluda, South Carolina. On March 9, 2025 Johnny transitioned to his Heavenly Home. He cherished his childhood in Saluda, spending his days hunting and fishing with his beloved brothers while creating memories that would last a lifetime. Johnny was determined to build a future for himself and his high school sweetheart, Clara (who he affectionately called his Doll Baby). After graduating from Riverside High School in 1961, he sought steady employment and better job opportunities which led him to Greensboro, NC, where he raised his family. A Man of Faith & Service At the age of 35, Johnny was saved by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which transformed him and shaped his family’s future. He took his family to church, led Bible studies at home, and spent many nights in prayer. He joined Gethsemane Baptist Church in 1966 and was later ordained as a deacon, where he served for many years. He became a member of Rock Hill Sovereign Grace Baptist Church where he continued to serve as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Johnny was known for opening his home to pastors and church families, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and was also involved in prison ministries. A Hardworking Provider Johnny was a master welder, dedicating 45 years to Carolina Steel. Even after retirement, his strong work ethic led him back to the industry, working an additional five years before retiring for good at 70. In those last five years, he was given the space at Structure Steel to spend the bulk of his time at work talking about the Lord and praying for his coworkers. A Devoted Husband & Father Married for 61 years, Johnny never let a day pass without telling his beloved wife, “I love you.” His love was unwavering, and his commitment to his wife was unmatched. As a father, he was a loving leader, ensuring that his children grew up with strong values, deep faith, and an unbreakable sense of responsibility. He taught them scripture, played games (where he didn’t take it easy on them!), and always made time for meaningful conversations. A Passionate Spirit Johnny had a love for life’s simple pleasures—watching North Carolina A&T beat South Carolina State, attending the CIAA tournament with friends in his younger days, and traveling to places like Greenville, Jacksonville, and Savannah. He loved to dress sharply, wearing his Sunday best with jewelry to match, and believed in the importance of looking good wherever he went. Johnny loved playing pool at Jake’s Billiards, while never missing an opportunity to witness about Christ. He was a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved to watch their games accompanied with “a little” friendly trash talking. He was well known to greet everyone by smiling and raising his fist, saying “Praise the Lord!” A Lasting Legacy His faith never wavered, even in his final moments. His last prayer was one of gratitude, in which he prayed to God saying “You are such a wonderful God.” Deacon Lorick was a man who lived his life with purpose, passion, and devotion to God. He always prayed for others and he never stopped sharing his love for Christ. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife, family and all who had the honor of knowing him. May we continue his example of faith, love, and togetherness. Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” Favorite Scriptures: John 14:1-6, Psalm 23 At church, he’d always sing “When the Battle of Life is Over, We Shall Wear a Crown.”  before he stood up to testify.  Preceded in death by: • Henry and Margaret Lorick (parents), Annie Ruth Graham, Henry Bell Lorick, Curtis Lorick, Lucille Pope, Jesse Lurk Survived By: Wife; Clara Norris-Lorick Children/In laws; Anthony Siler (Vonda Siler); Michelle Bowen (Curtis Bowen); Kenneth Lorick (Susan Lorick); Lorraine Tucker (Tyrone Tucker) Grandchildren/in laws; Lavonda Evans (Terrence Evans); Anthony Siler  Justin; Brandon;  Isaiah; Joshua; Jeremy; Ashley Reed (Michael Reed); Kenya; Eboni Bennett (Tevan Bennett); Makayla Lorick Great Grandchildren/In Laws;  A host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews Siblings; Hardy Lorick; Wilbert Lorick (Grace); Mable Crouch (George).