Olin Judson Johnson Jr., lifelong resident of Hartwell, Georgia, passed away on October 15, 2011.Born November 18, 1934, he was the son of the late Olin Johnson Sr. and Annie Mae Hamby Johnson.On February 24, 1963, he married Annette Hulme, who survives him in Hartwell.
Olin spent his life caring for his family, serving his community, and helping others.He gave much to and received much from the people of Hart County.He was a loving husband and father, and an example of integrity and decency in every part of his life.
Olin graduated from North Georgia College and the University of Georgia.In 1954, he joined his family's business, American Laundry and Drycleaning Company where he would eventually serve as president until his retirement in 1996.He was highly regarded in the fabric care industry, having been a board member of the Southeastern Fabricare Association and an active member of the International Fabricare Institute.
Olin was a lifelong member of the Hartwell First United Methodist Church.In many different capacities, he served alongside good friends to keep the church a vibrant place of worship and a center of community life.He is also well remembered by his fellow Rotarians as a devoted member of the Hartwell Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, Will Watt Fellow, and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.
Olin was an avid private pilot and enjoyed spending time on Lake Hartwell with his family.He enjoyed the outdoors, especially living and working on the family farm raising beef cattle, riding horses, and tending to his pasture.
He is survived by his wife, Annette Hulme Johnson; three daughters, Renee' Johnson Curry and her husband, Robert of Alpharetta, Diane Johnson Berninger and her husband, Gregg of Selkirk, NY, Julie Johnson Telford and her husband, Gordon of Braselton; two sons, Steven Lee Johnson of Asheville, NC, and Alan Hulme Johnson and his wife, Alison of Hartwell; and ten grandchildren.He was preceded in death by a sister, Jo Johnson Webster.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 2:00 at the Hartwell First United Methodist Church with Dr. Allen Stewart officiating.A reception will follow at the First Methodist Church fellowship hall.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hartwell First United Methodist Church Open Doors Fund, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell, GA, 30643.
Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.Online condolences may be made at www.stricklandfh.com.