Johnny Ray Camel

Service of Celebration for Mr. Johnny Ray Camel will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home, 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Dr., East Point, GA 30344.
Visitation: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm at Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home.
Mr. Camel leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Joyce E. Camel, and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Johnny Ray Camel was born on December 11, 1959, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Douglas and Myrtle Lee Camel, Sr. He was the youngest son in a large and loving family, deeply rooted in faith, strength, and perseverance. On June 9, 2025, at Southern Regional's Hospice Care in Riverdale, Clayton County, Georgia, Johnny peacefully entered into eternal rest, surrounded by the love and prayers of those who held him dearest.
Johnny was educated in the Tarrant County Public School System and attended Dunbar High School. Though life called him away from the classroom early, his determination and commitment to self-improvement led him to later earn his GED-an accomplishment that reflected his quiet resilience and strong work ethic.
Johnny Camel was a man built on a solid foundation of values-honesty, humility, and hard work. For over 30 years, he dedicated himself to the pest control industry. Through his career with Centex Pest Control, And Presidential Term & Pest, as a Certified Pest Control Operator, he earned not only certifications but the unshakable trust of hundreds of clients.
Johnny's work wasn't just a job-it was a responsibility he carried with pride. Known for arriving an hour early every single day, he approached each appointment with diligence and care. He didn't rush. He didn't cut corners. He treated each home as sacred. His attention to detail and calm, methodical approach to even the most complex pest problems earned him a reputation as the "go-to guy" in the field. Johnny's integrity was the fact that so many of his clients gave him the keys to their homes. They trusted him without hesitation-because Johnny had proven time and again that their homes were safe in his hands. That kind of trust isn't earned overnight-it's built through decades of honesty, reliability, and respect. He didn't just exterminate pests; he protected peace of mind. He was more than a technician-he was a guardian of home spaces, and a quiet friend to many families. His clients appreciated not only his skill but his gentle spirit, wisdom, and humor.
Johnny's strength was quiet but unwavering. He wasn't the loudest voice in the room, but his presence brought steadiness, structure, and peace. He found joy in life's simple treasures: a hot plate of food, the sound of waves on a beach, a spirited conversation about sports or raccoons, and time with family. One of his favorite films was The Godfather, And when it came to music, Johnny was a living jukebox. He adored old-school music, and he could name every artist and recite every lyric. That music carried memories, moods, and meaning-and Johnny carried it in his heart like a soundtrack to his soul.
At the core of Johnny Camel was a deep love for family. He married the love of his life, Joyce Elaine McCullar Camel, on August 28, 2010. Their union was a beautiful blend of hearts, laughter, and unshakeable companionship. He was a devoted father to his son, Jamaal (Corleichyia Walls) Camel, and a proud grandfather to Trayveon, Jamyia, Exsessence, Eboni, and Eloni. Johnny also embraced and loved his bonus child, Sheneka (Kirk) Jackson, and bonus granddaughter, Tesla McCullar, as his own.
Johnny shared a close and enduring bond with his sister, Frances Brown (Rev. Joe Brown), his beloved niece, Tonya P. Moore, and beloved nephews, Kevin Camel and Sheridan Terrell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a host of siblings: Myrtle Dean Camel, Rose Ella Camel, Ruby Nell Camel Winston, Doris Camel Robinson, Frankie Epps, Douglas Camel Jr., Ruthie Mae White, and Patricia Ann Moore.
Johnny was a proud member of Red Oak Baptist Church, where he drew quiet strength from his faith and lived out the teachings of service, humility, and love.
In every way, Johnny Ray Camel was a simple man of great strength-not because of medals or titles, but because of his consistency, compassion, and conviction. He didn't seek attention or praise. He lived to provide, protect, and preserve-whether it was for his family, his clients, or his community.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, trust, and service. His life was a sermon of faithfulness. His words were few but meaningful. His presence-gentle, firm, and unforgettable.
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23
Family and Friends are asked to assemble in the chapel at 10:30 am.