Michael Bruce Johnson

Michael Bruce Johnson, 84, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away on March 21, 2025, after a brief illness.

He was born at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 21, 1940, to the late Alvin Hayes Johnson and Mildred Spradley Johnson in Moultrie, GA.

Raised in Moultrie, he was a proud alumnus of Moultrie High School’s Class of 1958, and he often helped coordinate class reunions, birthday parties, trips and other functions for his classmates. He remained an avid Packer Football fan for his entire life – even when his grandson was coaching for an opposing team.

He went on to attend The University of Georgia where he received a degree in Marketing in 1962. To say that he was a devoted and loyal fan of UGA’s Football program would be a huge understatement. Most people who knew him would describe him as the biggest Dawg Fan they had ever met – and he was rarely seen in a piece of clothing that did not have a “G” on it.

After graduating from UGA, he worked as a zone manager for the International Harvester Company and then held several management positions in the Atlanta Regional Office. In 1979, he became an independent equipment dealer for IH in Albany, GA. He retired in 2000.

He loved bird hunting, attending Georgia games, going to auctions (of any kind), playing trivia or dancing at local restaurants, reading – anything and everything - but mostly about WWII – and he was happiest when he was on his boat fishing or spending time with his grandsons. He was truly a font of knowledge – and his family always said “Big Daddy knows everything! And, if he doesn’t, he’ll make something up really quick.”

Mike wore many titles: husband, daddy, brother, son, friend & Cap’n - but his most beloved title was Big Daddy to his grandsons and great grandsons. 

He was a friend to everyone he knew and honestly never met a “stranger.” He was a master connector of people, and he loved being the quintessential life of any “party.” He was a constant light in his loved ones’ lives.

He is survived by his only child, daughter Andrea and son-in-law Britt Swilley of Athens, GA; his sisters June Johnson Somers and brother-in-law John Somers of Hilton Head, SC and Susan Johnson Gillespie of Newnan, GA; his sister-in-law Frances Parker Suber of Moultrie, GA; brother and sister in-law Kenneth & Judy Parker of Dunnellon, FL; grandson John Andrew Swilley of Athens, GA; grandson and granddaughter-in-lawThom as Hayes and Mary Elizabeth Swilley of Richmond Hill, GA; great grandsons Hayes Johnson Swilley and Deacon James Swilley of Richmond Hill, GA; and many well-loved nieces, nephews & cousins.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of almost 60 years, Sue ParkerJoh nson; his parents; brother-in-law Charles Gillespie; brother-in-law Talmadge Suber; brother and sister-in-law Phil & Virginia Parker; sister-in-law Janie Parker and nephew Gregory Kenneth Parker.

Two Celebrations of his life will be held. Saturday, June 14 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Moultrie, GA and Saturday, June 21 st at 2pm at the Hiawassee Park Baptist Retirement Community Clubhouse. Receptions will follow both services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.