Karl Johnson

Karl Johnson - BLOOMINGDALE - Karl Johnson, 77, of Bloomingdale, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga. He was preceded in death by a son, Noel Johnson; his brother, Norris Johnson; and his father and mother, Karl Sr. and Lillie Mae Johnson. Karl was born in Chesapeake, VA. He joined the reserves at age 18 and graduated from the Georgia Military College and Clemson University with degrees in chemistry and math. While he was at Clemson, he was one of seven selected to be in the first aviation program. He received his commission upon graduation and went into active duty. In 1961, he joined the National Guard. He was dual rated in both fixed wing aircraft and a number of helicopters and flew for 42 years. Karl loved flying and reluctantly retired at 60 because it was mandatory. He was owner of Bloomingdale Nursery for the past 38 years. He was often called upon to date historic trees and the proper care of them. He also served on the Bloomingdale City Council for a number of years. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Melva Futch Johnson; two sons, Karl M. Johnson, III (Cathy) and Erik R. Johnson; two granddaughters, Katie and Casey Johnson; a sister, Betty Johnson; a brother-in-law and his wife, Cecil and Bonni Futch; three nieces, three nephews, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Christian Churches Disability Ministry, P.O. Box 310, Louisville, TN 37777, or Missions Department of Savannah Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd., Savannah, GA 31419. The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, located at 901 W. Hwy. 80 in Pooler, Ga. The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 in the Chapel of the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home in Pooler, Ga. Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes West Chatham Chapel 901 W. Hwy. 80 Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-2444 Savannah Morning News February 16, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.