Furman Gilliam Johnson

Furman Gilliam Johnson was born August 23, 1959 in Jacksonville, Florida.  He was the oldest of the three sons of Furman and Elizabeth Queenie Gibbs.  They preceded him in death and one sister, Catherine (Boo) Richardson.

Furman was educated in the Camden County, Georgia School System and was a 1977 graduate of Camden County High School.  He was an enthusiastically proud football player for the pride of Camden County's "Wildcats."  His secondary choice of sports was wrestling of which he also participated.

Enlisting prior to graduation, Furman entered the United States Navy and served one tour of duty and was Honorably Discharged in 1982.  He received from the Navy Department, “The Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service as a Torpedoman's Mate”. Furman continued his education after his military discharge by enrolling in Brunswick Junior College studying industrial electricity and electronics, an area he began in the Navy.  Upon completion of his courses, he was awarded a certificate of Academic Excellence for demonstrating outstanding scholarship by having earned above a 3.50 grade point average.

For an occasion orchestrated, only by God, Furman met Sarah Keith in March 1978.  After much persistence and persuasion, as only "he" could do, a love developed that would lead to holy matrimony.  They were married November 3. 1979.  A love that persevered.  To this union, Jermaine LaShawn was born.

In 1984, Furman was hired by the Gilman Paper Company in St. Marys, Georgia as an industrial electrician.  This was a proud moment for him, because his father, by then, was a thirty plus year employee.  He remained there after the name transitioned to Durango until it's closure in 2002.

Furman made a profession of faith and accepted Christ as "His" savior and was scripturally baptized.  He was a member of the First African Baptist Church in Kingsland, Georgia until 1993.  Later that year, he united with Maranatha Baptist Church in Brunswick, Georgia.  He served as a deacon, trustee, and sound room technician but availed himself to every area of need in the church, often referred to as the "Handyman."

Furman was passionate about everything he pursued.  He could really turn a piece of wood into anything, grill any piece of meat to perfection, and would take on any challenge put before him.  He LOVED his family first and everyone else after an initial contact.  He was known by the G Street boys, the young men he helped nurture, as the "BIG GUY."  He was serious when serious, and a kid with them when he needed to be.   A mentor to all of them from little league and through college.  They loved the 'BIG GUY."

He will be missed very much by all who knew him.  He departed this physical life on Friday, March 5, 2021 and leaves many cherished special memories. He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Sarah K. Johnson; sons, Corey Johnson, Jermaine (LaKeisha) Johnson and John (Ann) Banks; daughter, Denise (Robert) Holland; brothers, Rodney (Judy) Johnson and Barry (Rose) Johnson, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Jerome (Anita) Grant and Kenny (Shirley) Grant, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Michell (Robert) Norman and Cynthia Keith; grandchildren, Sarah Williams, Jamal Johnson, Raegen Johnson, Aeiress Johnson, Zahara Brennon and Ava Brennon; great grandchildren, Quay Evans and Tyreon Foster; aunt, Mildred Parrish; godmother, Ann Weston;  a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, as ordered by the Governor for the State of Georgia, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside services must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for  your prayers and considerations during this difficult time in their live