John Lewis Hall, Jr.

John “Johnny” Lewis Hall, Jr., 77, of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, January 13, 2025. Born in Suffolk, VA on May 5, 1947, he was the son of the late John Lewis Hall and Hazel Rosetta Jones Hall. 

Johnny grew up in Ivor, VA, and graduated from Southampton High School. He then earned his associate degree from Richard Bland College. He was a member of The Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, VA and Butterwood Methodist Church in Blackstone, VA.

Johnny’s passion for music began in 1962 at just 14 years old, when he played his first dance aboard a ferry crossing Virginia’s historic James River. With an armful of records and a new stereo player, he sparked a lifelong love for entertaining. Over the decades, Johnny became a cherished figure in the Beach Music community, spinning tunes for shag and bop clubs from Virginia to Florida and serving as the house DJ for Petersburg’s iconic “Thursday in Old Town” event. He was an esteemed member of the SOS DJ team at Fat Harold’s Beach Club and a dedicated leader in the National Association of Rhythm & Blues Dee Jays, where he served as Treasurer and Vice President. The last thing he did in his radio career was his daily afternoon radio internet show, “Jukin’ Oldies” in which he was very passionate about.

Johnny’s life was equally marked by service and dedication. A veteran of the U.S. Army and the Virginia Army National Guard, he retired as a Major after 25 years, earning the Bronze Star for his distinguished service. Alongside his military career, Johnny worked 41 years in the tobacco industry – working for both Brown and Williamson and Philip Morris. In his 40s, he further exemplified his dedication to his community by working as an EMT and fireman. He first started as an EMT in Petersburg for many years. He decided he needed to do more, and went to fire school in Chesterfield County. Johnny then served in Colonial Heights as both an EMT and fireman. 

Johnny also found joy in fishing, racing motorcycles, and RVing to numerous places, including Florida where he and his wife lived in the wintertime. Despite his careers and hobbies, family was the most important thing to Johnny. He loved his wife, sons, and pets immensely. He was a good Christian man, a true friend always willing to help others, and a devoted provider to his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Phyllis E. Hall; beloved sons, Sean C. Hall and Austin H. Hall; granddaughter, Ava Elizabeth Hall; sister, Pamela Joyner; nephew, Colton S. Pulley; and many other extended family members.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Butterwood United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2411 Darvills Road, Blackstone, Virginia, 23824. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel the of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Johnny to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org