As a young man George Thomas Johnson was ready to leave home and experience the world. He enrolled in the US Navy on April 27, 1962 completed his basic training in San Diego, California, and sailed away into his adult life on the USS Talladega (APA 208). During his career in the US Navy and Naval Reserve, he served his country on the USS Forrestal (CVA 59) out of Portsmouth, VA. He loved to travel and the Navy enabled him to see many countries. He always loved to learn and he took every opportunity to better himself and acquire skills that would make him successful when he returned to civilian life. While in the Navy George earned many honors and certificates and successfully completely several training courses. Some accolades he earned were: Career Counseling, Auto Body Repair at Chevrolet in Portsmouth, VA, Meritorious Commendation of Service (DeNang, Vietnam), DOD Meritorious Service Commenda-tion for Vital Logistical Support (Luzon, Phillipines), DOD Meritorious Service for Devo-tion to Duty (Saigon, Vietnam), Department of the Navy Good Conduct Award (1969), Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Certificate of Achievement (Quang Tri, Vietnam), US Naval School Transportation Management Course Certificate (Oakland CA). George bravely and honorably served his country in the Vietnam war and later retired from the US Naval Reserve on October 23, 2003 as a Storekeeper 1st Class.
George worked faithfully as a Machinist at GM Allison for 33 years. His career working in automotive helped him to cultivate an expertise in tinkering with and fixing broken things. Rarely did he find something that he could not fix, or that he did not do the research to discover how to fix it!
George was an industrious man and never one to rest on his laurels, he enjoyed many hobbies and activities. Always one to have a camera in his hands, he took photography classes and enjoyed taking photos of his family and friends. His photo archives of those he loved is impressive! Looking them over and reminiscing is a favorite family pastime. Over the years, he learned real estate and began to invest in rental properties. His willingness to help everyone drove his dedication to investing and fixing properties to create affordable housing for his tenants. George was also an active member of several clubs serving in leadership positions. He was a proud Haughvilian and served as a member of the Haughville Social Club as well as the President of the Circle City Vintage Car Club. Among many of his admirable qualities, his loving and giving nature shines the brightest. He would help anyone at any time - without fail. His undying and faithful dedication was to children - for them, he could never say no. He donated many hours and resources to some of his favorite charities. His heart was always towards children and some of his favorite charities were St. Jude's Medical Center, Boys Club, Easter Seals, the Indiana State Police, DAV, and United Negro College Fund.
Everyone who knows George knows that he had a life-long love affair with Hot Rods. If he wasn't at work, he was building Hot Rods. He was constantly working on his cars and, if they called for help, anyone else's car too. George shared many hours with beloved friends building cars in his garage and traveling to car shows across the nation. He is the President of the Circle City Vintage Car Club, The Rod and Custom Association, and belonged to the NSRA (National Street Rod Association).
George grew up at 10th and Sheffield, just 3 blocks from the lady who would become the love of his life and his marriage partner. On September 25, 1971 in Indianapolis, Indiana, George Thomas Johnson joined Barbara Ann Mayberry Johnson in Holy Matrimony. A devoted husband and a loving father, George was always hilarious, selfless in his commitment to his family, and treasured his vows. He often said that "Barbara loved her some George" and she would reply "And you loved you some Barbara!" Through thick and thin, George and Barbara weathered the tests of time and their love remained constant for 48 years of marriage. George was a devoted father to three daughters, Barbara Johnson (Johnson), Antoinette Johnson, Tina Thomas, and a son, Mani Johnson.
George Thomas Johnson departed this life on Friday, January 10, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents (Dorothy Daniels and Edward N. Johnson, Sr.) and two brothers, Edward "Spanky" Johnson, Jr., and Aaron "Butch" Holt, Jr.
Always a man who put family first, he leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Barbara Ann Johnson; children Barbara Johnson (Johnson), Antoinette (Toni) Johnson, Tina Thomas, Mani Johnson; sister, Marsha J. Johnson; brother, Steve Johnson; the family matriarch Aunt Alfreda (Al) Evans; 10 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives and an abundance of life-long friends.
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