Retired US Navy Captain Robert Cecil Johnson, Jr.

Retired USN Captain Robert C. Johnson, Jr., 87, died February 8, 2025. 

Captain Johnson was born June 10, 1937, to Robert Cecil and L. E. Colquitt Johnson. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert C. Johnson, III and a brother, Barry Johnson. He was a graduate of Berry College and Military PG School. 

Captain Johnson retired after more than twenty-six years spent serving his country in the United States Navy. During that time, he served on the USS Mitcher - Weapons Dept., USS Hartley - Weapons Officer, USS Glennon - Executive Officer, Tour (In-Country) Vietnam, Chief Staff Officer - Destroyer Squadron Four, Chief Staff Officer - Amphibious Squadrons Twelve and Four, Material Officer - Amphibious Group Two. He was also Commanding Officer of the USS Bluebird, USS Harlan County, USS Newport and USS Mt. Whitney. His Shore Duty included Staff Chief of Naval Operations, Defense Intelligence Agency and Surface Warfare School Command. 

He was a former Chairman of Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners for nine and a half years, an active member in the Oglethorpe County Rotary Club, Historic Oglethorpe, Military Officers Association of America and the American Legion. He was also a longtime member of Sandy Cross Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife of sixty-five years, Joyce Johnson; daughter, Whitney (David) Rearick; grandson, Trenton (Sarah) Rearick; granddaughter, Katheryn (Jordan) Senatore; sister, Geraldine (Johnny) Bridges; sister-in-law, Marion Johnson; several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Sandy Cross Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sandy Cross Baptist Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00PM at the funeral home. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com