Derryl Oliver Johnson

Derryl Oliver Johnson died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family at his home on September 8, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Long Johnson of Lee County, GA, brother, Horace (Nina) Johnson of Canton, GA, son, Greg (Michelle) Johnson of Parkersburg, WV, daughter-in-law, Terri Johnson of Worth County, GA, brother-in-law, Leon (Sylvia) Gray of Albany, GA, sister-in-law, Emily (Ronnie) Dupree of Americus, GA, and sister-in-law, Beverly (Eldon) Chambers of Smithville, GA.

He was blessed with grandchildren, J.D. (K.K.) Johnson of Newton, GA, Grey (Cameryn) Johnson of Racine, OH, Joshua Johnson of Parkersburg, WV, Haley E. Johnson of Greenwood, SC, Wesley (Nuria) Taylor of Brooksville, FL and Justin Taylor of St. Petersburg, FL. He leaves behind three precious great-grandchildren, Ella James Johnson, Henry Allen Johnson, and Skylar Elizabeth Johnson. Other survivors include multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Monroe and Erie Dee Griffin Johnson, a sister, Janice Johnson Gray, a son James Johnson and a grandson, Allen Johnson.

A lifelong resident of Lee County, Derryl was a graduate of Lee County High School and South Georgia Technical College where he received an Aircraft Mechanic A&P License. His successful career included a combined 38 years with Western Electric and Bell South. He was a former member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church and current member of Lakeside Baptist Church. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Derryl and his sister often sang duets at church and visiting with shut-ins sharing their faith through the gift of song. He was also the lead singer in the Men’N The Boys Barbershop Quartet.

Derryl enjoyed many hobbies to include scuba diving, hunting and fishing but he proudly co-owned and operated a single engine Mooney airplane. He and Paula took many flying trips around the country together. He was a charter member of the EAA Chapter 354 Flying Club, sharing flights through the Young Eagles Club as a way to encourage others to pursue flying. A devout Christian and American patriot, his priorities in life were God, family, friends, country and flying. Derryl has completed his glorious final flight and is now touching the face of God for eternity.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Lakeside Baptist Church at 2:00 pm. Senior Pastor Andrew Kornegay, retired Pastor Ken Chancellor of Lakeside Baptist Church and Pastor Bobby Joe Brown of Bridgeboro Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow for family members at Leesburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm before the service at Lakeside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to either, Lakeside Baptist Church, 2806 N. Jefferson St., Albany, GA, 31701, Bridgeboro Baptist Church, 214 2nd Avenue, Bridgeboro, GA 31705 or to EAA Chapter 354, 109 Quercho Lane, Albany, GA, 31707.