Johnnie Mangus Hall, Jr. was born on September 06, 1940 to the late Rev. Johnnie Mangus, Sr. and Vestella (Staley) Hall.   Born in the close-knit, rural town of Damascus, Early County, Georgia, Johnnie and his family migrated to Newark, New Jersey when he was a child.  He was the third of 7 siblings.   Bobo remained a proud Newarker until recent years, when he relocated to Shackleford, Virginia to be in the care and company of his sons.

Johnnie  (affectionately known to most as Bobo)  was educated in the Newark Public School System, attending Cleveland & Webster Schools.   He was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1958.   Shortly after graduating, Bobo enlisted in the Army National Guard, and served 2 terms as a mechanic in the U.S. Army.   He was honorably discharged as   Sergeant First Class Hall,   In 1960, Bobo was wed to Rossie Smith.  He was the proud & treasured father of  3 children, Johnnie Mangus, 3rd aka (Bo/Malik), Eric Troy Swann and Nicole;  the doting grandfather of 4 beautiful granddaughters and one great granddaughter.  His offspring were the apples of his eyes, especially his precious granddaughters.

As the son of a Preacher, Bobo had a personal relationship with Christ from a very early age.  While he did not attend church regularly, he knew, without a doubt, the source of his hope and strength.    On holidays, special occasions, or when he just needed that spiritual lift, he could be found fitting right in at Franklin – St. John’s, Phillips Metropolitan or Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Newark, or Union Prospect Church in Shackleford, VA.   Once he had outlived his “four score and ten”, he achieved the first thing on his “bucket list”….experiencing a live worship service with his favorite Minister, Joel Osteen.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Bobo was employed as a Mechanic for the City of Newark Water and Sewer Department.  It is unclear which part of his employment he loved most… his work, or the opportunity to meet people.  Bobo never met a stranger!  If you crossed his path, you were automatically his “good buddy”.    It was only natural that he took every opportunity to tend bar at such spots as Ben’s Round Bar, Club Chester and the Brookdale Lounge, to name a few.

In his leisure time, Bobo enjoyed reading, dancing,  watching Westerns, wagering (pinochle and horse races) and talking….  lots and lots of talking.   Back in his hay-day, he was an avid bowler, and a self-proclaimed high school athlete.   Family, for Bobo, was the reason to wake up each morning.  You could count on his presence at every gathering or family reunion.  Next to his family, his greatest love was people.  His genuine love for people was unparalleled.   He thoroughly enjoyed “doing for others”.   From offering a ride, to baking a pie and anything in between, Bobo found great joy in making someone else’s day a little brighter.  When he hit the occasional “jackpot”,  his winnings would burn a hole in his pocket until he found someone to share it with.   Even after his health affected his mobility, he and his cane could not resist an opportunity to take over the dance floor.  His family’s name for certain moves was “doing the Bobo”.   Another of his self-proclaimed titles was the Ace of Pinochle.   No matter how he was feeling or what was going on around him, he hardly ever missed a Wednesday night with the Weequahic Park Association Pinochle Club.   He was a member of the National Pinochle Association and traveled the country for their tournaments.   He was also an honorary member / player with the Maplewood Club in New Jersey, as well as the Amelia and Highlanders Clubs in in Virginia.

Bobo lived a simple and carefree life.  It didn’t take much to make him happy.  He epitomized the saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.    When everyone around him was worried or upset, Bobo would exclaim, “Yeah, welp…. that’s life.”, and keep it moving.   Despite multiple health challenges, it was rare to hear him complain.  His response, when asked how he felt was always “fair to middling”, or simply “glad to be on the up side of the grass”.    It was nearly impossible to be in his presence and not laugh, or at very least smile.

At the end of the day, there are no regrets.  Sergeant 1st Class Johnnie Mangus “Bobo:” Hall, Jr. lived a full, free, unforgettable and One-Of-A-Kind life……. and much like we are doing this evening, HE DID IT HIS WAY!!

 Service Information