John Roger Johnson, born June 15, 1936, departed this earth on August 31, 2024, surrounded by the family he loved more than anything. He was a lifelong farmer and entrepreneur, and I'm sure he must've had his doubts from time to time, but as far as we could see there wasn't a problem he couldn't tackle - an errant horse, a muddy field, a sometimes-broke tractor. He was invited to a barbeque once, and when he arrived and found that lunch was far from ready, Roger butchered and barbequed the goat. He wasn't one to shy away from a hard job. For him work was service, and service was love.
In 1956, at the age of 20, Roger left the military to care for his mother, his sister, his brother, his ailing father, and the farm, and he never left. He lived his entire life on the same 360 acres, and he cared for his mother and brother until their passing. He married his highschool sweetheart, Glenda Grayson, and honored their union for 65 years in service and in love. He cared for Glenda's mother as well; toward the end of her life, he visited her each morning to serve her breakfast. Together with Glenda, he ran the farm, raised two children, and took care of everybody. They were always ready with a visit, a prayer, and a warm dish for any friend, family member, or brother or sister in Christ who was sick or hurting. Roger was a Deacon at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church and a life-long servant of the Lord.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Carlton Johnson, and his brothers Bruce, Max, and Clifford. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Grayson Johnson, and children Robbie Johnson (Robin) and Andrea Gray (Rodney). He is survived by five grandchildren, Dustin Johnson (Kristen), Katie Gray (Will), Meagan Goddard, Rachel Cowart (Jonathan), and Macy Johnson; six great grandchildren Hadley, Hartlee, and Hollis Johnson, Elise and Ivy Jane Goddard, and Hayes Cowart; and by sister Euree Wilcox and his nieces. He is also survived by his devoted caretaker Marsha Lee Starling. May we all serve our own families and communities with the love and devotion of Roger Johnson, his living legacy upon this earth.
Visitation will be on Monday, September 2 at Crosby Funeral Home, 6:00 - 8:00. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3 at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church, with Reverend Jimmy Miles, Pastor Charles Hutcheson, and Doctor Joshua Stone officiating. Active pallbearers will be Dustin Johnson, Will Berbeneciuc, Jonathan Cowart, Neal Lee, Eddie Taylor, Albert Wildes, Greg "Pojo" Johnson, Dewayne Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon "Moose" Jowers, Leon Starling, and the deacons of Douglas Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Mims Baptist Church cemetary. Memorials may be directed to Douglas Chapel Baptist Church, 174 Douglas Chapel Road, Nicholls, GA 31554.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.