CW4 (RET) Martin "Marty" Harry Johnson

CW4 (RET) Martin “Marty” Harry Johnson, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully at Columbus Hospice on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Marilyn, and their children. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907, with Pastor James Friberg officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Ft. National Cemetery following the service.

Marty was born and grew up in Moline, IL. He was the son of Roy M. and Marie T. Johnson. Marty graduated from United Township High School, East Moline, IL. After graduation he was employed by Rock Island Mill Works in Rock Island, IL. Marty later joined the U.S. Army and in 1962 was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, where he met and married Marilyn Bowen of Columbus, GA. During his career with the Army, Marty served three tours with the 8th Infantry Division in Germany, two tours in Vietnam in combat, and multiple tours at Ft. Benning, GA. While serving in the Army, Marty completed a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the v University of Albuquerque, NM, and a Master Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Southern California. Marty retired from the U.S. Army in 1983, with 21 years of service. After his career with the Army, Marty was employed by Jefferson Standard Insurance; by Wells Fargo; and by Securitas until his full retirement in 2015. During his retirement, Marty and Marilyn enjoyed traveling the Western USA, Hawaii and 12 cruise ships to different ports in the Atlantic Ocean.

Marty enjoyed working in his yard, enjoyed gospel and country music and played and sang whenever family gatherings occurred. He particularly enjoyed performing with his two talented grandsons, Jacob and Blake. Marty and Marilyn were members of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ellerslie, GA.

Marty was preceded in death by his father, Roy Johnson and his mother, Marie Numbers of IL, his two sisters, Maxine Malmstrom of SC; Joanne Schlegel of IA; and his brother, Ralph Lee Johnson of IL.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Bowen Johnson of Ellerslie, GA; daughter, Melanie Reiney (Brad) of Midland, GA; step-daughter, Heather Valcourt (Dana) of Bessemer City, NC; son, Matthew Johnson of Ellerslie, GA; son, Marty Johnson (Joy) of Las Vegas, NV; step-son, Michael Farmer (Susan) of Ohio; grandsons, Jacob Reiney (Katelyn) of Midland, GA, Blake Reiney of Midland, GA; and seven step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and his beloved pets.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Disabled Veterans of America at help.dav.org or your local Humane Society.