Marion Eugene "Gene" Johns

Marion Eugene “Gene” Johns, 90, entered into rest on Wednesday, March 27, 2025.

Gene was born on October 4, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Henry Thomas Johns and Zora Mae Mangum Johns. He grew up in Thomaston, where his family’s roots ran deep. From an early age, Gene embodied the values of dedication, service, and faith—principles that would guide him throughout his life.

A true patriot, Gene proudly served in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force. At just 17, he enlisted in the Army, where he became a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and served as a ranger during the Korean conflict. Later, he continued his service in the Air Force as a master electrician, dedicating 23 years to his country, including deployments during the Vietnam War. His career took him across the globe, and his expertise as an avionics technician was widely respected.

After retiring from active duty, Gene continued his commitment to service as an Aircraft Maintenance Planner at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, where he worked for 22 years. His precision, leadership, and tireless work ethic left a lasting impact on those he worked with.

Beyond his distinguished military and civil service, Gene was, above all, a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law, always providing unwavering support and encouragement to his loved ones. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit made him a joy to be around. A man of deep faith, Gene’s love for God was the foundation of his life, guiding his actions and inspiring those around him.

Gene’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished him.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce D. Johns, daughter, JoAnna Dawn Greene, and five siblings.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Wyoma Towns Johns; children, Joy Jones (Craig) of Sumter, South Carolina, and Barry Eugene Johns (Trisha) of Severn, Maryland; stepchildren, Kevin Smith (Laura) of North Carolina and Mitchell Smith (Gail) of Danville, Georgia; siblings, Evelyn Pompa (Ed) of Victorville, California, Bobby Johns (Maggie) of Macon, Georgia, and Sandra Torres of Augusta, Georgia; along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at The Assembly with the funeral service to immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Afterward, Gene will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Gene Johns to The Museum of Aviation at 1942 Heritage Blvd, Robins AFB, GA 31098 or The American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.