3635991694.jpg &&& LAST FOURTH OF JULY, Mike Johnson got a special treat - a trip back to his hometown of Mayesville, S.C., to visit friends and family. "He was so excited," said his wife, Patricia. "It was a very special occasion for him." Mike had been diagnosed with liver cancer last November and he didn't know how long he had to live, which made the trip extra special. Malachi "Mike" Johnson, a forklift operator for the past 12 years and a man devoted to his family and church, died July 29. He was 58 and lived in North Philadelphia. "He was calm, he was happy," his wife said. As a man devoted to his religion, death held no fear for him. "He knew it was time to begin his heavenly flight." Mike was born in Mayesville to Ada Bell and the late Julius Johnson. The family came to Philadelphia when he was a child and he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He held a number of jobs before going to the Klearfold Co., a paper-products company in Warrington. Mike was a member of St. Joseph Baptist Church, in West Philadelphia, and was always available for whatever the church needed. He also became a "walking deacon," a person who was working toward becoming a deacon, but he didn't have the time to finish the walk. "He had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back, always there for his family and friends in time of need," his wife said. "He was very concerned about his children and was devoted to their welfare." Mike was a fanatical fan of Philadelphia sports, and got out to the stadiums for Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers games whenever he could. "He'd watch a game on television that he had already seen at the stadium," his wife said. Besides his wife and mother, Mike is survived by two sons, David Jones and Michael Williams; two daughters, Michelle and Yolanda Jones; a brother, Henry Johnson; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by a sister, Delores Wilkerson. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Baptist Church, 224 N. 54th St. Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Peace Cemetery.