Johnny W. Southwell

Johnny William Southwell

Johnny William Southwell, 68, passed away October 13, 2021 at Fellowship Home in Valdosta, Georgia, under the care of Halcyon Hospice.

Johnny was born January 5, 1953 in Glennville, Georgia to William “Herbert” Southwell and Elizabeth McArthur Southwell.  He grew up on his family’s farm in the Altamaha Community of Tattnall County as a member of the 6th consecutive generation of his family to reside there.  In his younger years, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at the Ohoopee River and roaming the woods around his home.

Johnny suffered a traumatic brain injury as a toddler, but that did not stop him from living a full and active life.  He resided in several group homes in Valdosta, and later, at Wesley Glen in Macon, Georgia.  Several years ago, he returned to live in group homes in Valdosta.  After being diagnosed with throat and tonsil cancer in January, 2021, Johnny went to live at Fellowship Home in Valdosta.

Johnny was a one-of-a kind character.  He was a friend to everyone who knew him, and everyone who knew him loved him dearly.  He never met a stranger and was a master at the art of telling “tall tales”.  He loved people, banana pudding, pretty ladies, Elvis, eating at Ole Times and Mama June’s, spending time outdoors, oldies music, and playing his guitar and singing at the top of his lungs.  More than one of his caretakers over the years has said, “I know I’m not supposed to have favorites, but Johnny is my favorite.”  Johnny was everyone’s favorite.

Johnny is survived by two nieces, Teresa Carswell Howard and her fiancé, Robert Q. Wilkes, Jr. of Tattnall County, Georgia and Rogni Southwell of Seattle, Washington; a nephew, Robert Southwell, and several cousins.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother in law, Ann Mozell Morris Carswell and William Hamilton Carswell of Tattnall County, Georgia; his brother, Herbert McArthur “Mac” Southwell of Tattnall County, Georgia; his paternal grandparents Carlton Wilburn Southwell and Nancy Jane “Janie” Burge Southwell of Dooly County, Georgia; and his maternal grandparents, Malcolm “Dwight” McArthur and Mabel Tietgen McArthur of Tattnall County.

The family wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to the many wonderful people who have cared for Johnny over the years.  Most recently, the staff at Fellowship Home Elms Memory Care and Halcyon Hospice in Valdosta; and formerly, the staff of Normal Life of Georgia in Valdosta and Wesley Glen in Macon.  Thank you for loving on Johnny and for giving him a happy life.

Memorials may be given to Halcyon Hospice, 515 St. Augustine Rd., Suite D, Valdosta, GA 31601 or Pearson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5830 Old River Rd., Reidsville, GA 30453.

A celebration of life will be held in the Chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial in Reidsville, Georgia on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a private interment at a later date at Joyce-McArthur Cemetery, Altamaha Community, Tattnall County, Georgia.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Southwell family.