William M. "Bud" Johnson, 78, of Townsend, Ga. died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. The Brunswick native and former Jesup resident had lived in Townsend the past 35 years. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 137, out of Darien. Some favorite interests were NASCAR and especially the late Dale Earnhardt. Bud loved to make others laugh by saying silly phrases. He was predeceased by his mother, Willene Griffis and his father, Sterling Johnson; his grandfather who reared him, Moult Griffis; two brothers, Roger Dale Solomon and Reid Madray.

Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Louise Johnson of Townsend; a daughter, "Frankie" (Allan) Eppley of Richmond Hill; a granddaughter, Kalan Eppley; a grandson, Joshua Ryals of Charleston, SC; a great grandson, Jaxen Ryals; a sister, Pat Adams of Marietta; a brother, David Solomon of Glennville; step-daughter, LaCresia (Joey) Tolbert of Texas; step-son, Mike (Tina) Cox of Texas.

Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 3, 2021 in Odum City Cemetery with Rev. Calvin Anderson officiating and the American Legion Post 137's presentation of the U.S. Flag.

Active pallbearers will be Johnny Brown, Heath Wynn, Shorty Stephens, Eddie Westberry, John Ryals and Donald Gordon.

Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the COVID unit at Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center, 2415 Parkwood Drive, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, Ga. is in charge of arrangements.