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Johnny Carson Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
JOHNNY RICHARD CARSON SR. SOCIAL CIRCLE - Johnny Richard Carson Sr., 79, of Greshamville, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Abbey Hospice in Social Circle. Born Jan. 31, 1930 in the Cabbagetown area of Atlanta, he was son of the late Clyde and Annie Hayes Carson and grandson of country music pioneer, Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame member Fiddlin' John Carson. An exceptional athlete, he led high school basketball, baseball and golf teams to multiple state titles. He was a member of three SEC championship golf teams at the University of Georgia and was the only athlete in UGA history and last in NCAA Division I history to letter in four different sports (football, golf, basketball, baseball). He was the first of only two two-sport All-Americans from UGA, honored for golf 1951 and football in 1953. He was the second member ever inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (1957) and was inducted into the UGA Circle of Honor in 2003. A seven-year NFL playing career preceded 35 years as a scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 1996 to Greene County. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Julia Elizabeth "Betsy" Carson of Greshamville; son, Johnny Carson, Jr.; daughter, Dianne Thomas and husband Bruce of Social Circle; grandchildren, Julia Thomas, Cody Thomas, Mary Hannah Thomas and Caleb Thomas, all of Social Circle, Joshua Carson of Greensboro, N.C., Laura Carson of Pinehurst, N.C. Memorial services will be Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 3:00 PM at Lord and Stephens Chapel, WEST, 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Bogart, GA 30622. Dr. Jon Appleton will officiate. Honorary guests will be Wally's Boys and Roosevelt High School Alumni '48 -'49. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Histiocytosis Association of America, 332 North Broadway, Pitman, New Jersey 08071
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Carson
Ann Lee (Garbutt) Bussey
April 25, 2009
Johnny was a member of a group of 8-10 from RHS Classes of '49 and '50 that gathered at my home after all the football and basketball games. It was a popular place because my dear Mama and Daddy always provided plenty of food. It will always be remembered as a happy time in my life. Johnny was a great person, athlete, and friend. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mary Ann and Max Edens
April 11, 2009
On behalf of the Class of 1958, RHS, I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family of Johnny Carson. He was great football player and a true friend to all. Never to be forgotten.....
April 6, 2009
Besty and Dianne, Cicero and I were so sadden to hear of John's death. We were out of town and received Diane's message on Sunday. Our prayers are with all of you and will be in touch. Love Barbara and Cicero Lucas
Pamela Power
April 6, 2009
I remember Johnny. He lived up the street from us on Kalb Street. He dated my sister, Nina Power, also, and He and my brothers, Dickie & Michael Power were all friends. My sympathy goes out to his family for he was very loved, and a very respected human being. He was a good man. Rest In Peace Johnny
Pamela Power Cantrell - Dacula, GA
Beth Headley-Robenolt
April 6, 2009
Mrs. Carson, Dianne, Bruce and family: My condolences to you all on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. It has been many years since I last saw Mr. Carson, however, I will cherish my memories of him from the times I spent with Dianne growing up in NJ. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 6, 2009
He was my Hero. I still to this day tell people about the Great Johnny Carson. There will never be another like him.
Jimmy Herrin RHS class of 61
April 6, 2009
John R. was my mother's first cousin and I remember her talking about him and how close they were growing up. I met him several times during the years and he was a fine man. May God bless you all in this most difficult time.
Frances Parris
(daughter of "Boots Carson Underwood"
Wanda Flanagan
April 5, 2009
Dear Mrs. Betsy,
My condolences, I am so sorry to hear about Mr Johnny.
Clyde Roberts
April 4, 2009
My condolences to Johnny's family. Johnny went through elementary, junior high and high school with me and I always thought highly of him as a person and a talented athlete. He will be missed not only by his family but also by his classmates and friends who knew him personally.
Cindy Carson Donegan
April 4, 2009
My deepest condolences. I never met him but heard many stories about him. I am the daughter of John L Carson his cousin.
Beverly Palmer
April 4, 2009
May all of the warm memories you hold close to your hearts enrich your lives forever. I remember Johnny because my brother, Clyde Roberts, was in his RHS Class of '49. He must have been a talented and amazing person; I wish I'd known him personally. God Bless ~ Beverly Roberts Palmer, RHS, Class of 54 ~
April 4, 2009
My deepest condolences - from a fellow Roosevelt alumnus(1949),and football, basketball and baseball teammate.
Richard Bush, Ocala, FL
Ken Hardin
April 4, 2009
I remember Johnny as a high school hero and greatly respected by his classmates for his kind and friendly personility. My deepest sympathy.
Ken Hardin RHS Class of'50
Jim Eubanks
April 4, 2009
My condolences to Johnny's family. I caddyed for Johnny's Dad on Key Golf Course when I was in high school at Roosevelt, class of 1955.
Kathryn Richardson
April 4, 2009
Diane, Bruce, and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your Daddy and Grandfather. I graduated from Roosevelt in 1959, so I didn't know your father. From what I have read of him, he was a fine man and much loved. I know you will miss him. My prayers are with you today in your loss. God bless you all.
Kathryn Richardson
Kendall Eley
April 4, 2009
I remember Mr. Carson so well from when Mrs. Carson taught me in 5th Grade at NGA. I am so sorry for your loss.
John L Carson
April 3, 2009
Betsy & Family: My prayers are with you. I thank my cousin Johnny for encouraging me to run Track & Cross Country at RHS. I wore #50 in Football in his honor. He was an inspiration to me throughout my life as he was to others. He was my HERO and he will be greatly missed. I'm so happy that I got to see him at the Roosevelt picnic and talk with him about old times.
Lynda and Sam Thurmond (formerly of Atlanta)
April 3, 2009
We pray for God's comfort to be with the family of this wonderful man. May he rest in eternal peace.
Beverly Lindsey
April 3, 2009
Johnny was such a sweet gentleman and he will be missed by all of his fellow alumni at Roosevelt High School. He was a hero to many.
Donya Lester
April 3, 2009
Betsy and Dianne, my heart aches for all of you. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Josh Carson
April 3, 2009
Rest in Peace
Jere Randall
April 3, 2009
There will never be another like Johnny. Rest in peace ol' friend.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes West Chapel
April 3, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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