Fred Owen Johnson, 72, of Ray City, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1954 in Adel, GA to the late Ellen Rowena Johnson and Owen Smith Johnson.

Mr. Johnson graduated from Lowndes County High School in 1972, and then attended Valdosta Tech where he graduated from the welding program. He also attended Valdosta State University. Later he returned to Valdosta Tech where he graduated in both the Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Electrical programs. He placed 1st in state for Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) and 2nd place nationally for industrial maintenance and industrial electrical competition. As a father, he coached soccer with the YMCA, Berrien County Recreation, and the Lowndes-Valdosta Parks and Recreation Authority. He enjoyed watching football, and was a fan of the New England Patriots. He also enjoyed freshwater fishing, repairing motors, gardening, and fabricating with welding.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Joyce Weaver Johnson; sons, John David (Brittney) Johnson of Ray City, GA and Justin Lamar (Heather) Johnson of Madison, AL; sister, Sara Touchton, of Ray City, GA; and grandchildren, Jacob Johnson, Willow Johnson, Waylon Johnson, and Warren Johnson. He was preceded by his parents; sisters, Dale Sanders and Eleanor Walker; brothers, John Sanders, Norris Sanders, and Edwin Dasher.

A funeral service for Mr. Johnson will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 3 p.m. at the Martin/McLane Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Gaskins Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 – 3 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com. Martin/McLane Funeral Home.