Virgil “BUD” Johnson, 76, of Irwinville, Ga went home to be with the Lord on February 12. He was surrounded by his family when he bid this world goodbye.
He is survived by Shirley Johnson, his dear wife of 54 years; his son and daughter-in-law, Winfred and Shasta Johnson; his daughter and son-in-law, Todd and Charlotte Hill; Seven beloved grandchildren – Abby Hill, Ashley Warren, McKenna Johnson, Nathan Hill, Alex Ellis, Spencer Lawrence, and Emily Johnson; three sisters-in-law, Helen Marchant (and her husband, Wendall), Rita Newell, and Helen Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Pete and Dorothy Weldon; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, G.W. and Ava Nell McGee; his brother, Jimmy Johnson; his sister-in-law, Geraldine Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Darrell McGee and Jimmy Newell.
Bud was a one-of-a-kind man who loved to laugh and “cut the crazy” with everyone he met. He loved to fish - especially with his longtime friend, John Nelms. He enjoyed anything to do with farming or gardening and would often be found giving away loads of squash and peas to family and friends. You could often ride by his home and find him sitting on his front porch or catch him eating an early breakfast with the locals at the store in Irwinville. He loved people – He never met a stranger.
He loved his family, especially his wife, Shirley. When they were teenagers, he would often jog from Chula to Irwinville just to spend time with her. He loved his children and grandchildren and could make them laugh quicker than anyone else…and maybe even get them in a little trouble with the crazy things he taught them. He loved life and he made life better for those around him.
Bud loved his Lord and his country. He attended Brighton Road Baptist Church and loved to listen to southern gospel music. He loved the Bible. He loved our flag, and he loved our veterans. He taught his family to do the same.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and the Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 15 at 2:00 pm, both at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Ga. Interment will follow at the Irwinville Cemetery.