Deacon Horace James Johns

Oh, please don’t feel guilty. It was just my time to go. I see you are still feeling sad, And the tears just seem to flow. We all come to earth for our lifetime, and for some it’s not many years. I don’t want you to keep crying, you are shedding so many tears. I haven’t really left you even though it may seem so. I have just gone to my heavenly home. And I am closer to you than you know. Just believe that when you say my name, I’m standing next to you – I know you long to see me but there’s nothing I can do. But I’ll still send you messages and hope you understand that when your time comes to “cross over,” I’ll be there to take your hand.
 

It is with profound sorrow, we the Owners, Management and staff at Gatlin Mortuary, Inc. stand along side the Johns family as we announce the earthly transition of Deacon  Horace James Johns  whom passed into eternal rest February 4, 2023. 

Ode to a Mechanic

Pistons Fired: Horace James Johns was born November 25, 1959 to the late Inez Johns and the late Walter Wesley in Bluffton, GA. He was lovingly raised in the home of his maternal grandparents, the late Doneal and Nora Lee Johns and the late Sammy Lee.

Engines Revved: Horace was educated in the Clay County School System where he enjoyed wrestling and playing with neighborhood friend. As a young boy, he professed that Jesus Christ was his lord and savior. He was a devoted memberUpward Way Church.

Cruising:Horace had a phrase he would always so “don’t be a shyster.” So, if he said that, something was about to happen. He loved life, having fun, and playing his guitar. Horace was employed for over 30 years with the Lowndes County maintenance department and retired from the City of Valdosta. He was also the proud owner of John’s Lawncare Service for many year.

Oil Leak: Several months ago Horace’s health begin to fail, steps became slow, and hospital stays grew. The MAC truck was staying in the shop. On evening the motor locked, the transmission quit pulling, and the gears stopped shifting. On February 2, 2023 “Big Johns Limited Edition” retired the model at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and he went eternally cruising on the golden streets of Heaven.

Vintage Preservation: Daughters: Cotondra Johns, Mia Walker, and Wanda (Steve) Kitchens all of Valdosta, GA; Sons: Horace, Jr. (Latasha) Johns, Gainesville, FL, BJ (Brittney) Johns, Valdosta. GA. and Isiah Johns, Atlanta, GA. Grandchildren (20). Sisters: Judie (Rev. Michael) Walker, Edison, GA; Martha Jean Kimbrough, Cocoa FL; Bobbie S. Johns, San Antonio, TX; Rose Shaw, Bluffton, GA; Martha (Troy) McCall Cocoa, FL; Mary Frost, Dawson, GA; Virginia Ford, Valdosta, GA; Carolyn (Rickey) Frison, Jacksonville, FL; Medina (Fredrick) Jones and Shakeitha Lynn, Ft. Worth, TX. Brothers: Daniel L. Johns, Arlington, GA; Roy (Mamie) Jones, Walter Wesley, Willie Roy Gilbert, Henry Wesley all of Bluffton, GA; Ordermos (Victoria) and Devin Lynn of San Antonio, TX; and Alex Ford, Jr Chillicothe OH; Stepfather: Tally Lynn, Edison, GA; Aunts: Josephine Johns, Albany, GA; Minnie Johns, Bluffton, GA; Meraldine Johns and Irene Johns, Tampa, FL. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother Eddie Wesley and grandfathers Doneal Johns and Sammie Lee.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at The Victory Church @ 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jay Williams is the Pastor and Rev. Michael Walker will officiate. Public Viewing will be held on Friday at Gatlin Mortuary from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Horace James Johns, please visit our floral store.