Hunter C. Johnson Jr. passed away September 18, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 12pm, Friday, September 21, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201. The Reverend Chip Miller and the Reverend John Kinser will officiate. A private interment will be held prior to the services. The family may be contacted at their residence.
Hunter was born in Elba, Alabama in 1929. Other than his time serving in the military, Hunter has called Macon home for the last 84 years. As a boy he was a Junior Civil Defense Warden during WWII, ensuring his neighbors’ safety during the air raids. He also was actively involved with his community while serving as a Boy Scout. Hunter was a member of the ROTC, and served as Company Commander while a student at Lanier High School. He received the Designation of Distinguished Military Student while also serving in the US Naval Reserve. Hunter was captain of the Lanier Championship football team in 1948, and after graduation, accepted a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina. During his college career, Hunter returned home to run the family business, Johnson Trailer and Equipment Company, and earned a degree in business at Mercer University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order of Fraternities. Hunter was a true patriot and served his country in both the Navy and the Army. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1950, and continued to serve by joining the Army in 1952. Hunter served as a 2nd lieutenant, Commissioned Officer in the Officers Reserve. He was an Artillery School Graduate, serving in El Paso, Texas, as the Battery Commander using Nike Missiles.
Hunter returned to Macon after his military service where community service became his passion. He is the founder and first president of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia. He also chaired a 40-member consolidation committee to draft a charter to combine the governments of the City of Macon and Bibb County. Hunter was the first president of the Macon Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He was a charter member of the Macon Civic Club, and a past president. Hunter served on the Executive Board of the Salvation Army and was the VP of Government Affairs for the Macon Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the Exalted Ruler of the Macon Elks Club. Professionally, Hunter served as the VP of Business Development for Georgia Bank. He also owned and operated Bryan Transfer, and Southern Warehouse of Macon.
Hunter was a founder and charter member of the Riverside United Methodist Church. He later became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, as well his Sunday school class president. Hunter’s faith was at the core of who he was as a person. He was a steadfast and considerate friend, family man, and community leader. Hunter always gave great thought to all of his endeavors. He was a certified Master Gardener, glorified chef, avid golfer, and an active outdoorsman, loving the river most of all. He treasured his friendships and adored his grand and great-grandchildren, relishing in their activities and accomplishments.
Hunter is preceded in death by his parents, Hunter and Nell Johnson, and his sisters, Christine Stephens and Louise Michel. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Merry Hertwig Johnson, his children Jann Johnson Bellamy (Ray), Patricia Johnson Coulter (Chris), Robert Patterson (Lynne), Marci Patterson Hipp and 8 grandchildren, Rosemary Farrell, Andrew Hart, Chad Coulter (Lauren), Lucy Patterson, Roe Patterson, Kate Patterson, Merry Hunter Caudle (Dan), Palmer Hipp, and 3 great grandchildren.
Hunter considered assisting young students of the seminary a richly rewarding and worthy cause. Memorials in his name can be made to The Seminary and Mission fund at First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia, 31201, or the charity of your choice.
Visit www.snowscs.com to express tributes.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.
