Cecil Johnson

Cecil Lacy Johnson Junior died on October 25, 2014. Born November 4, 1917, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the only son of Cecil L Johnson and Jesse Johnson. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Valerie Woodard Johnson. The early years of his youth were spent growing up in Atlanta Georgia where he worked his way through the ranks of the Noland Plumbing Company. In June 1942 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until October 1946.

He and Valerie moved to Athens in 1950. A long time resident of Athens, he was involved in many community activities, and many of his endeavors remain to this day. In 1950 he and T. Carroll DeVore opened a plumbing, heating and electrical wholesale company, DeVore and Johnson, a company that is still in business today. He was a founding trustee and charter board member of Athens Academy. He served on the advisory board of the Athens Technical College and the Cedar Creek Development. He was an active member in many organizations including the Rotary Club, Gridiron Society and the Athens Chamber Of Commerce where he served as president. He served eight years on the Athens City Council and was mayor pro tem as well. He was a long-standing member of the Athens Country Club and a supporter of the University of Georgia. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Athens where he was a former deacon and tenor soloist for over 15 years.

He is survived by his sister Elaine Goolsby of Glendale,California, his three children and their spouses, Valerie and Gary Franklin of Athens, Regina Taylor of Athens, and Cecil "Weedy" and Kim Johnson of Atlanta. In addition he has seven grandchildren, Marshall Franklin of Atlanta, Allen Franklin of, Alex Taylor of Athens, Lacey Taylor of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Caroline Taylor of Charleston, South Carolina, Ryan and Ben Johnson of Atlanta, and their mother Laurie Johnson. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Taylor Woodard Smith and Ann Ballard Smith.

Graveside services will be 3PM Tuesday, October 28th at Evergreen Memorial Park with Dr. Paul Baxley and Dr. Frank Granger officiating. The family will receive friends and guest at 130 Tillman Lane from 6-8pm Monday evening.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Athens First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski Street, Athens, Georgia 30601; The Athens Academy, 1281 Spartan Ln, Athens, GA 30606 or Athens Technical College, 800 Hwy 29North, Athens, Georgia 30601.

Online condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.