Rupert “Shorty” Johnson Sr, 77, of Bostic, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Henry and Mary Hudson Johnson. Shorty was retired from the Spindale Police Force with 27 years service, 23 years with the Spindale Fire Department and was a US Navy veteran. Shorty is survived by one son, Rupert Johnson Jr and wife Kim of Bostic; two daughters, Pat Easton and husband Cary of Caroleen and Debra Langley and husband Dewayne of Golden Valley; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, February 14 at Crowe’s Mortuary with John Horne officiating. Interment will follow in the Sandy Level Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.