Obituary for George Edward Johnson
George Edward Johnson, affectionally known as “Cousin George,”87, of Quincy, FL., passed away June 24, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A singer and songwriter, he graduated from Gadsden High School in 1952 and went directly to Washington, DC to work for the FBI to earn money for college at The University of Florida. While in High School he was a member of the FFA Band. They won several State Championships and went to Kansas City to perform live on the radio. To this day, the band still meets once a week. Each morning George had to milk his family’s cows before going to the radio station to do his Frosty Morn Radio Show and going to school. He was known as the “Florida Light Boy,” opening the show with, “I want to wake up in the morning where the Shade Tobacco grows.” Of all the string instruments he played his favorite was the first one he bought from Sears Roebuck for 15 dollars. He taught all 3 of his children to sing and play the guitar and do a little jitterbug. Also, spread his love of music to his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He married his “Bride of 55” (a song he wrote for an anniversary gift) and began working for Suber-Edwards Packing Co., which later was known as Frosty Morn. After a few years, he began working at Farm Bureau Insurance and became known as the “Singing Insurance Man” for 42 years. His office wall was covered in numerous awards. He wrote his own commercials and his own music based on his early years on the family farm.
George grew up at Gretna Baptist Church with all his siblings and cousins and was baptized at Greensboro Baptist Church because it was the closest church with a Baptismal Fount.
He served in the Florida National Guard, was the first president of Robert F. Munroe Day School and loved hunting and fishing. He owned a Bonanza and became an instrument flight rated pilot and he and his “Bride of 55” enjoyed flying all over the country.
George was married to his high school sweetheart, Marcelle Potter Johnson, for 68 years. He is also survived by his three children, Crystle May ( Bradford), Clay Johnson (Margaret), Gil Johnson (Scharla), five grandchildren, Marcelle May Ferguson (Will), John Bradford May(Kira), Clayton Johnson, Cody Johnson ( Lindsey) and Cobey Johnson. Great Grands, Georgia Rhodes and Gracie Rhodes. Many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins. He adored them all.
He did not have a single enemy and loved everyone. One of his old Sunday School buddies said “Heaven’s choir gained a new tenor and they are going to add some country music songs.” His Grandson, Clayton, said he never missed an opportunity for some “music with a message.”
He was predeceased by his parents, George Washington and Palma Edwards Johnson, sister Iris Johnson Donaldson, brothers Sandy Johnson and Terry Johnson. There is a great musical celebration happening in heaven!
The service will be Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Gretna Baptist Church. Private interment at Sunny Dell Cemetery.
Special thanks to Big Bend Hospice and Visiting Angels for their dedicated and expert care.
Memorials may be made to Big Bend Hospice, Quincy Mainstreet or Robert F. Munroe Day School.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL., 850-627-7677, is in charge of arrangements.
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