CPT (Ret) Johnny A. Durham, age 80, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. A visitation for the family and friends for Johnny will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, followed by a celebration of Johnny's life at 11:00 AM with David White officiating. Internment in Parkhill Cemetery.
Johnny was born on September, 16, 1942 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia; the son of John A. Durham and Lillian Kelly. He joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and retired in 1980. In 1961 he met and married his sweetheart Linda Elane Herron on November 4, 1961 at the hardware store where the preacher worked; they’ve been married 61 years. During his years of service Johnny was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; 2 Overseas Service Bars; 2 Good Conduct Medals; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Meritorious Service Medal, 1 oak leaf cluster. Johnny was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice from the National Infantry Association for serving the infantry community with distinction, demonstrating a significant contribution in support of the infantry and representing the highest standard of integrity, moral character, professional competence and dedication to duty. Johnny Graduated from Troy State University with a Master’s Degree in Personnel Management. He worked as a civil servant from 1981 until 2001. He loved yard work, a hot cup of coffee, playing golf especially with his son, grandson and brothers in-laws. Johnny loved his family and derived great pleasure in being a husband, father, and Pawpaw. He wanted his kids and grandkids to always remember how proud he was of them and that he loved them immensely.
Johnny is preceded in death by: his parents, John Adell Durham and Lillian K. Durham; a brother, William Moore; a sister, Ann Dinsmore; and a son-in-law, Ronny M Thorne.
Survivors include: his wife, Linda Durham; his son, Phillip (Vonda) Durham; his daughter, Brenda Durham Thorne; grandchildren, Kirstie (David) White, Linda Grace Thorne, Sarah Elane Thorne, Ronny Mack (Haley) Durham Thorne; great grandchildren, Addison Grace White, Stella Brooks White and Beau Durham Thorne.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Durham family.
