Howard Johnson, Jr.

Mr. Howard Thomas Johnson, Jr., age 89, of Lithia Springs, Georgia passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born January 1, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia the son of the late Mr. Howard Thomas Johnson, Sr. and the late Mrs. Lorene Johnson. He was a devoted member of Gateway Baptist Church in Villa Rica. He served in the United States Army 91st Infantry during World War II. He married Mary Elizabeth Byrd on March 19, 1971 in Dallas, Georgia. He was a maintenance man for HITCO where he retired. He enjoyed yardwork and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Darlene Williams, son-in-law, Jerry Williams and one grandson; sisters, Dorothy Ethridge, Helen LeCroy, Della Mae Hudson, and Junita Horton; and brother, Gary “Butch” Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Elizabeth Byrd Johnson of Lithia Springs; daughters and sons-in-law, Paula Gibson of Atlanta, Belinda Monroe of Atlanta, Debbie Briggs of Ohio, Deborah and Daniel Priest of Lithia Springs, Delinda and Gregory Smith of Dallas, Deniece and Greg Dick of Lithia Springs; son and daughter-in-law, James “Jimmy” and Lynn Kimmons of Dallas; nineteen grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Douglas Chapel, Thursday, August 29, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Friday, August 30, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 4:30 PM at the Chapel of Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville with Rev. Jeff Byrd officiating and Eulogy by Rev. Greg Smith. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens with the following serving as pallbearers: Jeremy Williams, Daniel Priest, Jr., Keith Smith, Justin Cole, Hunter Cole, and Rodney Gibson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. of Douglasville is in charge of arrangements. 770-942-2311