William Helton Johnson

Mr. William Helton Johnson, age 81, of Oconee died on Saturday, September 18, 2021 after a brief and unexpected illness. A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 23 at 2:00 P.M. in Antioch Christian Church Cemetery in Oconee. Reverend Scott Kitchens and Reverend Gary Yonce will officiate. The family respectfully request attendees be properly masked and remain socially distanced.

Mr. Johnson was born in Oconee, Georgia, the son of the late Robert Felton Johnson and the late Helen Lord Johnson.  After graduation from Tennille High School in 1958 he served in the United States Army.  He spent his life’s work in the sawmill industry and was known throughout the southeastern territory for his knowledge and skills related to sawmill operations. He was highly respected in this industry.

Mr. Johnson was a servant leader in his community.  He attended the University of Georgia and the Mercer School of Law to obtain various certifications in order to better serve his community.  He was a former Mayor and Police Commissioner of Irwinton, Georgia.  He served as City Recorder and Magistrate Judge for the City of Oconee.

Mr. Johnson was a humble and faithful servant of the Lord and modeled true Christianity with his loving and giving spirit.  Mr. Johnson was a talented musician who played several musical instruments and was a gospel singer.  He was a member of the Oconee Church of God.

Mr. Johnson enjoyed classic car shows and often carried home “Best of Show” for his 1929 Model A Ford.  He loved camping trips and time spent with his adoring family.

Above all else, Mr. Johnson was known as a genuinely good man, wise in counsel and full of integrity and of high moral character.  He was a friend to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his devoted wife of twenty three years, Doris Johnson of Oconee; two sons, Robert Johnson and his wife Megan of Warner Robins and William Johnson and his wife Missy of Gordon; two daughters, Dawn Courson and her husband John of Clemmons, NC  and Amanda Lossiah and her husband Brandon of Gray; eleven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren; a brother, Emory Johnson and his wife Ann of Kathleen; and several extended family members including nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Mr. Johnson’s honor be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis TN or Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC.

May and Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Condolence messages may be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com