George M Johns

George Mason Johns was born May 14, 1932 to parents George Malcolm Johns and Mary Agnes (Gilbert) Johns. George was welcomed into our Heavenly Fathers kingdom on January 5, 2021. For many years, George loved spending Christmas in Texas with family and with each passing year proclaiming it to be his best ever. It was in Texas where he, surrounded by family, was called home.

George started his earthly journey in Washington DC. As a young boy he moved to Charlottesville, VA to live with his maternal grandparents Tommy and Vola Gilbert.  By all accounts, he lived an exciting and adventurous childhood. At the age of 18, George enlisted in the Army and proudly served for 3 years earning the rank of Sergeant in the 82^nd Airborne while stationed at Ft. Benning. Throughout his life, George would love to tell anyone who would listen about how he jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. He took great pride in his military service and was a true patriot. 

While stationed at Ft. Benning, George met the love of his life, Eloise, whom he lovingly took as his bride in 1954. They celebrated 61 years of marriage until The Lord called Eloise home in July 2015. George was amazed at how a man from Charlottesville, VA could ever meet a woman from Langdale, Alabama. George cherished his wife throughout their marriage.

After his discharge from the Army, George took a job at Langdale Mill in Valley, AL. He soon enrolled in Auburn University under the GI bill and finished his 4 year degree in 3 years while at the same time, he worked full time and started a family.

George and Eloise were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. George’s children are quick to proclaim him the greatest father with whom any child has ever been blessed. He was instrumental in instilling Christian values in each of his children leading all of them to accept Christ as their savior. George always preferred spending time with his family over any other activity, his family was his hobby. George and Eloise were faithful members of Lakeview Baptist Church serving many years as usher, choir (Eloise) and food pantry.

George started his post college career as an internal auditor with Shell Oil Company in Atlanta, GA. He was transferred to Houston, TX in 1973 and joined Tenneco Oil in 1974 and retired in 1990. While at Tenneco Oil, George traveled the world to many faraway places and shared many of these adventures with family and friends. In retirement, George and Eloise moved back home to settle in Auburn, AL.  George was a lifelong Auburn Man. He loved his Auburn Tigers. During fall Saturdays, George and Eloise enjoyed tailgating with friends and family prior to home games and away games supporting their Auburn Tigers.

George set his retirement aside in 1993 and began a second career with Auburn University. He always loved being outside and what a joy it was for him to have a job working for the Auburn’s athletic department.  He proudly served in this new job working under coaches Terry Bowden and Tommy Tubberville.  George was delighted to have the opportunity to mow Pat Dye Field at Jordan Hare Stadium each day, especially after each home game. He built great relationships with his co-workers supervisors and coaches. Many times, he would tell family that he couldn’t believe they were paying him for something he loved and would do for free. In 2008, George retired from his dream job to spend more time with and care for his beautiful bride Eloise.

George has always been a kind and loving soul. He will be dearly missed by family and all those that were blessed to have known him.  George’s family finds comfort in the knowledge that he is now in his heavenly home, welcomed by our savior and reunited with Eloise. In George’s words, I have lived a great life.

Mr. Johns is survived by sons, Tim Johns (Brenda) of Willis, TX, Randy (Sandra) Johns of Auburn, AL, Steve Johns (Kim) of the Woodlands, TX and Joy Mullins of Auburn, AL; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren. George is preceded in death by his loving bride Eloise M Johns, his parents, son-in-law Scooter (Edward) Mullin and great grandson Hudson McCay.

Visitation will be held at Lakeview Baptist Church at 1:00PM CST to 2:00 PM CST on January 11, 2021 followed by funeral service at 2:00 PM CST and will be officiated by Pastor Al Jackson. Interment will follow at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn, AL.