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Mr. Franklin Lee Johnson, 83, of Kite passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born on September 12, 1942, in Sandersville to the late William Franklin Johnson and Lois Hood Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Tapley Johnson, his parents, three sisters, Teresa Holton, Yvonne Woods, Connie Sue Johnson, and three brothers, Anthony Johnson, Pete Johnson, and Timothy Johnson. Franklin was a volunteer fire fighter for several years with Johnson County. He was always tinkering with something; he would tear things up just to fix them. Franklin loved gardening and riding his tractor in the yard. He never forgot a joke and was always smiling.
Franklin was owner and operator of Johnson’s Garage in Swainsboro for many years. After closing his shop, he went to work at Better Built in Kite. He worked there many years before retiring.
He is survived by his daughters, Becky Johnson, Donna Oliveri (Russ), Stephanie Lancaster (John) stepson, Bruce Christopher (Lynn), stepdaughter, Jacqueline “Neecy” Miller (Roy), brother, Jerome Johnson (Beatrice); sister Sara Deborah Claxton (Richard, Jr.); special friend, Donald Peebles; 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.
Interment will follow in Rehoboth Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Donald Peebles, Walter Drew, Bryson Rowland, Jay Foskey, Jason Lee, and Johnny Colston.
Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Martin and Johnny Ray Stafford.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Franklin Lee Johnson, 83, of Kite.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
427 North Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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