George William "Buddy" Johnson, Jr.

George William “Buddy” Johnson, Jr., passed away at his home in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by his family on June 1, 2023, at the age of 73.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 in the Mexia Cemetery with Reverend Bill Wright, Jr. officiating.  Visitation with the family will be prior to the service at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

Buddy was born March 13, 1950 in Mexia, Texas to George William and Sylvia Juanita (Ingram) Johnson.  He grew up in Mexia and was a graduate of Mexia High School, Class of 1968.  He became fascinated with playing drums at a young age, joined the school band in the sixth grade, and while in high school was a member of the dance band.  He, along with Dwain McMinn and Rita Blackmon, formed a band and played for several events for a few years.  After joining the Navy, he became a member of the drum and bugle corps.  Playing the guitar also gave him a lot of pleasure.

In the summer, Buddy enjoyed playing baseball; he was a pitcher, and the team coaches were his dad and Mr. Wayne Carroll.  In 1971, Mr. Carroll was instrumental in bringing the Cleveland Indians to Mexia and Buddy got the opportunity to try out for them.  He also earned the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Metal. 

Buddy married Sandra Ann Van Note on October 10, 1987.  He and Sandy, along with their puppies (as he referred to them), Sparky and Honey, enjoyed traveling, especially to Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming as often as possible.  He loved being with his family during the holidays or anytime and thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about the “good ole days”.  Needless to say, there wasn’t anything he enjoyed more than eating his “Mama’s” cooking, coconut pie was probably his favorite.

Buddy’s working career began, while in high school, working in the Mexia Steam Laundry, owned by his parents and, later, retired from the Federal Correctional Institution-Seagoville where he worked as Laundry Supervisor before becoming Manager of Materials & Supplies.

Buddy was raised in a Christian home and baptized at an early age.  He loved the Lord, knew He was always in control, and he never questioned Him as he faced his recent illness. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; George and Sylvia Johnson; and his precious puppy, Honey.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of almost 36 years, Sandy of Tyler; brother, David Johnson of Tyler; sisters, Kathy Bishop of Hawkins and Jenny Wallace and husband, Burt of Bullard; aunts, Mary Edwards and Vera Mae Johnson; Uncle, Preston Johnson; his companion, Sparky; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.

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