Johnnie Ray Lucas, of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away at his home on Monday, May 13, 2024, as the result of a sudden illness. He was 57. John (aka, Johnnie) was born June 26, 1966, in Fairmont, WV , the son of Starling and Betty Lucas of Chesapeake, VA (formerly of Shinnston, WV). As a young boy and teen, John was known as a creative and industrious worker who managed a downtown paper route and provided lawn care, painting, and moving services for local residents. A country boy at heart, he loved the outdoors, pets (especially dogs), hunting on Odells Knob, and rural living.
John graduated from Lincoln High School, Shinnston, in 1984. Following graduation, he worked in various occupations including construction, auto detailing, and restaurant cooking. It was his move to Myrtle Beach in 1989 that solidified his career as a Chef, Kitchen Operations Manager, and Head Cook. He supervised the Kitchen Management for a chain of Sports Bar Restaurants in a career that spanned more than 25 years. He loved introducing South Carolinians and tourists alike to WV cuisine, including great Italian recipes and world-famous Harrison County-based Oliverio’s Peppers. John was a consummate host and table conversationalist in every restaurant location. His big-screen monitors in the Sports Bar restaurants were always tuned to his beloved WV Mountaineers and Philadelphia Eagles (“Go Birds!”). John was known for his love of storytelling, infectious laugh, and West Virginia pride.
In addition to his parents, John is survived by his daughters Ashley (granddaughters Kylie Rae & Sophia), and Danielle, both of Myrtle Beach; his canine companion “Bubba”; brothers Mike Lucas (wife, Kim) and Steve Lucas of Chesapeake, VA; sister Laura Conrad (husband, Dan) of Savannah, GA; several nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and many friends in Myrtle Beach and Harrison County, WV. John will be laid to rest in a family graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, Conway, SC on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements provided by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, Murrells Inlet, SC.