Thurman "Papa" Johnson, Sr.

Thurman Johnson (Papa) age 84 passed away at his home October 24, 2017 after an extended illness. He was born March 10, 1933 in Tattnall County. He moved to Miami, Florida in early 1950 where he met and married the love of his life, Peggy. They had three children. They moved back to the area in 1971 and settled in the Donald community in Long County.  Thurman worked most of his life as a truck driver. He was known as a hardworking, honest family man. He worked for Quick Transport as a long haul trucker, Long County Road Department as a road grade operator and Armstrong Cricket Farm. As a driver for Armstrong’s he traveled throughout South Georgia and the southern states. He made a lasting impression everywhere he went.  He was multitalented and known as “a jack of all trades”.  He was known for his humor and outgoing personality. He never met a stranger. He loved talking to people and his number one topic was about the Lord. He was a prayer warrior and loved to tell others about Jesus and the need we each have for salvation. He lived what he preached to others. His primary message was about the love of Jesus and that we should love one another. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was “Papa” not only to his family but all who knew him. As one person said “Thurman and Peggy were everybody’s grandparents”. He was always willing to help anyone out if they needed something. He and Peggy enjoyed spending time and taking trips with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman once landing a 200 and 250 lb. Jew fish off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico. He loved deer hunting as well.  He was often referred to as “hard headed and strong willed, if he put his mind to something he was going to get it done. He did not believe in quitting or giving up on anything. He loved cars and trucks. He bought, sold and collected many of them over the years. His biggest asset was his family. He loved and was very loved by his close knit family. Family gatherings were frequent for all holidays, birthdays and vacations. He was fortunate to be able to make a bucket list trip to the Florida Keys this past July with his family and revisit some to his old stomping grounds. Thurman was an active member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church holding several positions in the church over the years and is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Lee and Dollie Kate Purcell Johnson; siblings, Leroy Johnson, LaVerne Parker, and Frances Anderson; and a great grandson, Robert Cole Deloach.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Peggy Johnson of Ludowici; children, Donna (Dennis) Howard, Debbie (Charles) Reddish, Thurman (Patty) Johnson, Jr. all of Ludowici; siblings, Darvin Johnson of Ludowici and Shirley Driggers of Glennville; 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will begin 6:00pm Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00am Friday, October 27, 2017 from the Chapel of Glennville Funeral Home with the Reverend Robert Long and Reverend Tommy Kelly officiating. Interment will follow at Grace Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Howard, Matt Lanier, Mathew Blizzard, Bobby Parker, Jimmy Parker and Charles Moody.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Kennedy, Wayne Kennedy, James Padgett, Curtis Johnson, Wilford Morris, and Norman Morris.

Glennville Funeral Home is serving the Johnson family.