Deacon Richard Johnson, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Deacon Richard Johnson Jr., who departed this life on May 3, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Covington, Georgia on July 14, 1938, Richard lived a life of deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and commitment to his community.

A cherished father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, Richard will be remembered for his wisdom, kind spirit, and warm smile that brightened every room he entered. His legacy of love and integrity will live on in all who knew him.

Richard Johnson, Jr., also affectionately known as both “Buddy Richard” and “A.J”, was born to Richard and Cora Mae Johnson on July 14, 1938 in Newton County, Georgia. He was the youngest of nine siblings and was known for being a friendly, kind, and, and a strong leader throughout his life.

At a very young age he accepted Christ and was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church in Covington, Georgia where he served in many important roles throughout the years including teaching Bible study every week, Treasurer, and Assistant Chairman of the Deacon Board, to name just a few. And he often led the congregation in praying and singing with his beautiful voice and presence.

On September 17, 1960, he married the love of his life, Polly Sims. They enjoyed 64 years and 7 months of marriage, and God blessed their union with one son, Richard Felix Johnson.

One of Richard’s first jobs was working at the Porterdale Cotton Mill. Next he served his country by volunteering for the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1958. Later he studied Business Administration at Atlanta Technical College. He worked for Georgia Highway Express where his attempts to challenge the discriminatory hiring practices in place at the time led to him being dismissed without notice. His unfair dismissal led to the filing of one of the first employer discrimination lawsuits based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He then went on to become the first Black car salesman at Lamar Ferrell Chevrolet. Eventually, he used his many leadership and entrepreneurial talents to work for himself and opened his own successful business located right off the Covington Square, A & J Bonding Company.

Richard was recognized in a 2013 Covington News article as “a man who helped change the face of Newton County in the late 1960s and 1970s” through his leadership in integrating Covington’s schools and businesses. He endured many sacrifices for his role in helping to end segregation in Newton County as a part of the Civil Rights Movement, including multiple arrests and having his home burned down. However, he never wavered in his commitment to helping make life better and more fair for his people.

Richard received numerous awards throughout his life from organizations as varied as the Newton County NAACP to the McIntosh Trail Early Childhood Development Council, where he served on the board for many years. One of his most treasured awards was the Martin Luther King Jr. Trailblazer Award from the Newton County Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance Committee. Most recently, he was recognized for his lifelong service and dedication to the citizens of Newton County by the Newton Country Historical Committee on Black Heritage.

Richard (Uncle Buddy) absolutely loved cooking and feeding his extremely large collection of family and friends, and pretty much every Sunday of the year, anyone was always welcome to stop by the Johnson home for a heaping plate of his delicious Southern soul food. He was an extremely loving and committed family man who doted on his wife, son and grandchildren. He made all of his cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews feel special and cared for, and they showed him great love and devotion in return.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his three sisters (Fannie Mae, Iola, and Margaret) and his five brothers (James Oliver, Robert Lee, Ernest, Willie Lewis, and R.D.).

Richard leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Polly, and his devoted son, Felix (Lacosha). Grandchildren: Joshua (Christian), Josh, Javonte, Steven, Cameron; Great-grandchildren: Turner, Josh, Major, and A’laiya; Sisters-in-law: Lois McKibben, Joyce Hendrix, and Margaret Tinsley; Godchildren: Jerry and Sonya Carter, Jeff and Elaine Wilkerson; His office manager, Nadja Hailey-Heath; and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews,relatives, friends, church members, and community members who will forever hold him in their hearts

Celebration of Life Service Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2:00 P. M. Good Hope Baptist Church, 1142 Hwy 162, Covington, GA 30016, Senior Pastor Gazzara Mitchell. Assisted by others. Interment, Lawnwood Memorial Park, 1111 Access Rd. Covington, GA 30014. Deacon Johnson will lie in-state at the church the day of the service from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service. The cortège will assemble at 1:00 P.M. at the Johnson’s residence.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Good Hope Baptist Church, 1142 Hwy 162, Covington, GA 30016. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, love, and support during this time of loss. Deacon Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts.