Mr. Willie Louis Johnson was born on May 12, 1936, to the parentage of Willis Johnson and Mamie Lee Hill Johnson who preceded him in death.  He was born in Milledgeville, Georgia and attended the public schools in Baldwin County.  He was affectionately known as “Joe Louis” or Uncle Joe” to all that knew him.  He was a very kind, soft-spoken, humble man that was always willing to lend a helping hand to all.  He was a “man’s man” in every sense of the word.  He had many trades throughout his life which include many years at Kendall McGaw as a lab technician and an installer at Johnson Antennae Service. He later retired from T& S Hardwoods in Milledgeville, Georgia.

At an early age, he joined Oak Grove Baptist Church #1 and served as an Usher for many years until his health declined.  Spending time with his family was a big part of his life. He had a profound love for music and was the founder of “The Johnson Boys” in which he played the guitar and harmonica.  He loved everyone and in return was loved by so many. He never met a stranger and always left nuggets of wisdom with all he came in contact with.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert L. Johnson and James A. Johnson. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert L. Johnson Sr and James A. Johnson Sr and a sister, Mary Francis Trawick.

Joe Louis leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Lorena Pearl Johnson of Milledgeville, Georgia; one daughter, Antionette (Tommy) Williams of Milledgeville, Georgia; two sons, Ja’Juan Johnson and Robert (Sherrie) Johnson of Milledgeville, Georgia; one sister, Annie Clyde Johnson of Milledgeville, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Emma Wilson of Milledgeville, Georgia; nine grandchildren, twenty six great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces,  nephews, and cousins.