George Larry Johnson, 77, of Eatonton, GA, passed away on Dec. 6, at Haven Memory Care in Athens, GA. He was born in Hazard, KY, and grew up in Zionsville, IN.
He was preceded in death by parents Millard and Dorothy Johnson and siblings Robert Johnson, Don Johnson, Edith Conley, Rosalea Ritchie, and niece Linda Lea Ritchie-Hutton.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Connie Whitehead Johnson, son Alex Johnson (Julie), and grandchildren William and Avery. He was known as the favorite Funcle (fun uncle) by Mickey, Diane, and Brian Johnson, Paula Cole and Kenny Conley, Andrea Johnson, Becky Powell, Rachael Walls and Lisa Kerr, Dale Ritchie, Angie Ritchie, who will all miss his fun personality.
George graduated from Eagle Township High School in l965, where he held the basketball scoring record until 1998. He went to Berry College on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1970.
He earned an MEd from West Georgia College in 1978 and did postgraduate studies there in the ’90s. George retired in 2005, after influencing many young men and women while teaching and coaching.
George began his teaching career at East Rome Jr. High and then moved to East Rome High School. In 1975, he went to Morrow Jr. High and then to Morrow High School.
In 1992, George went to Riverdale Middle School and was athletic director and head football and basketball coach when he retired.
George met Connie at Berry when she managed to get her friend to switch partners so she could dance with him. They enjoyed dancing together during their 56 years of love. Their greatest accomplishment was their son, who brought them even more joy by marrying Julie and then providing two wonderful grandchildren. They shared a love of travel and visited all fifty states, several trips to Europe, and many cruises.
George loved all sports and coached most of them during his long career. As an adult he was an avid golfer and fisherman. His love of fishing led to the purchase of property on Lake Oconee in 1981. His many talents led to him building a house on the lake, as well as finishing the basement of the house in Rex. After 37 years of owning two houses and enlarging the lake house, George and Connie moved to the lake full-time in 2018. George always had some kind of project in the works.
Besides having many awards as a coach, his most prized recognition came in 2022. George was inducted into the Boone County Basketball Hall of Fame in Indiana. He was especially moved by the number of old friends, teachers, teammates, and family who came to the induction ceremony.
The thing about Alzheimer’s is that it’s sort of like all these little, small deaths along the way before the actual physical death. All of those who knew him will remember the fun, talented, athletic, artistic man George was and will miss him.
George will be celebrated at an event in January. If you would like to make a gift in George’s memory, please make it to the Berry College Class of ’70 Scholarship Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.