Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson was born on April 24,1946, in Bainbridge, GA to the late Clifford Johnson, Sr. and Lillie Mae (Jackson) Johnson. The youngest of three children, Harry had one sister, the late Marjorie (Johnson) Robinson, and one brother, Clifford Johnson, Jr. Known for his repair expertise, loud laughter, war stories, and bible knowledge, Harry was a man built on traditions and faith. On January 14, 2022, he made his transition to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 75.

Harry was educated in the Decatur County School District and was a 1963 graduate of Bainbridge High School. Like many young men of the time, Harry was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War. During his military service, he received several medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Marksman (Rifle), and Sharpshooter (M-60 MG). Harry was known for sharing his Vietnam War stories that usually began with when he was "lying for dead in Vietnam". He was honorably discharged from the military in 1970.

As he readjusted to civilian life, he enrolled at Thomas Technical Institute in Thomasville, GA to study electronics, heating, & air conditioning. During his time at Thomas Tech, Harry met and fell in love with a fellow student, Bertha Willis. They married on January 30,1974.

Harry went on to enjoy a 30 year career with Sears Roebuck & Co. Because of his occupation, he became well known in the South Georgia/North Florida area as a reliable repairman who could fix any appliance. After retirement, he continued to complete appliance repairs for anyone who called him.

Harry accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church in Bainbridge, GA. In 1982, he joined Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he was an active member. He served as a Trustee and later was installed as a Deacon in 1985. He was a Sunday School teacher for youth classes and sang in the Gospel Choir. In 1985, he organized the Springhill Male Choir. He also served as the unofficial videographer for Springhill, where he recorded numerous church services and events from the late 1980s until the early 2000s. He later joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he was an active member of the Deacon Board.

Harry had a big laugh and loved to tell jokes; he enjoyed having conversations with anyone who would listen. He had a soft heart for the elderly and would call and visit with them often. He loved playing pool and considered himself a self-taught pool shark. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and watching sports, especially baseball.

Harry was the self-appointed family videographer and would rarely be spotted without his camcorder/video equipment from the 1980s until the early 2000s. He accumulated a large collection of videotapes that has captured many years of family memories.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 47 years, Bertha W. Johnson; son, Anthony Johnson of Perth Amboy, NJ; daughters, Keesha Johnson of Atlanta, GA, and Yolanda (Brian) Easley of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Patience Johnson, Jahsun Johnson, Nia Easley, and Ian Easley; brother, Clifford Johnson, Jr. of Bainbridge, GA; sisters-in-law Bessie Lee Fann, Sarah (Donald) Pettis, and Carolyn Willis of Thomasville, GA; brother-in-law Fred (Mary) Willis, Jr. of Youngstown, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.