Our beloved Johnnie Sudbury, 81, crossed over peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 1, 2018, in Jonesboro, Georgia.  He was the adored and cherished husband to Betty Norman Sudbury.  Johnnie and Betty shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Johnnie was born in Meridian, Mississippi on April 21, 1937.  He was the oldest son of the late James and Mamie Sudbury. Johnnie shared his childhood with his brothers Leslie and James, Jr.
Johnnie was raised in Meridian, where he attended St. Joseph Catholic School.  At the young age of 14 he joined the St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in pursuit of a spiritual life as a catholic priest.  Johnnie graduated from the seminary at the age of 19.  He decided to enlist in the United States Air Force and serve his country.
Johnnie retired from the military after 20 years of service as a communications specialist. His position was stationed at the Pentagon and vital to preserving the freedom of this country.  He completed numerous tours overseas, which included Vietnam, Korea and Germany.  Johnnie's tenure as a soldier was highly revered by his comrades and he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.  His service to his country was honored by receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star.
In 1976, Johnnie continued to serve his country and his comrades when he was hired as Chief of Operations in the Administrative Division for the Veteran's Administration. He retired in 1996 after 20 years of service to the VA.  In 1997, Johnnie's dedication to his country was once again honored when he received an award for 40 years of dedicated service.
Johnnie strongly believed in the benefit of higher education. Johnnie started his journey to acquire his master's degree and began night school at Prince George's Community College.  After two years at PGCC, he received his Associates degree in Arts in 1982 with a 4.0 GPA.  Johnnie then continued his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland.  He graduated with honors in 1990 with his bachelor's degree in Science.  Unfortunately, Johnnie's post-graduate education for his master's degree was halted when he survived a major heart attack.  Let's just say heaven had to wait and we were blessed to have Johnnie with us for many more years.
Johnnie is survived by his wife Betty Norman Sudbury, his stepson Stephen Maurice Gilbert (Caroline), and his brother Leslie Sudbury (Audrey). Johnnie did not have any biological children; however, his life was a blessing to and will be cherished through the memories of numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 6th, 2018 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM before the service at the funeral home.