MR. JOHNNIE GILLANS

Mr. Johnnie Gillans, of 215 Quarterman Street, Waycross, Georgia, peacefully laid down the burdens of this earthly life on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Meadows Regional Hospital in Waycross, Georgia.

Johnnie was born on October 13, 1939, in Lumber City, Georgia, to the late Estelle Baker and the late John Henry Gillans. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Rebecca Gillans Williams, and his brother, Donald Gillans.

During his childhood, his father relocated the family as work in the turpentine industry required. They lived in Ashburn, Georgia, and later in Homerville, Georgia, where Johnnie graduated from high school.

Johnnie was known as a hardworking and dependable man with a remarkable work ethic. Throughout his career, he worked for several civil engineering and construction companies, developing expertise in all aspects of roadway construction. His responsibilities included asphalt paving, concrete work, and conducting safety inspections of concrete structures to help ensure the integrity of bridges and overpasses. He retired after 20 years of exemplary service with E.A. Mann & Company, Inc., a respected Georgia-based civil engineering and asphalt contracting firm. The late Eugene "Gene" Mann often expressed his admiration for Johnnie's loyalty, dedication, and faithful service.

While building his career, Johnnie met the late Carolyn Rodgers. Their union was blessed with two sons, Timothy Gillans and Johnnie Gillans II, both of Waycross, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two sons, Timothy Gillans and Johnnie Gillans II, both of Waycross, Georgia; four grandchildren, Timothy Gillans, Tiffany Gillans, Justin Gillans, all of Waycross, Georgia, and Johnnie Gillans III of Douglas, Georgia; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Kalaysia Albertie, Kendall Albertie, Kyrana Albertie, Kholee Gillians, Timothy Gillans Jr., Kaylee Gillians, Kat Hawkins, Brynlee Hawkins, Karter Thomas, Kaloni Green, Jabluntae Ellerton, and Jaliyah Ellerton. He also leaves a host of extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Johnnie deeply loved his family, especially his brother-in-law, Alexander "Alex" Williams. As a young boy, his love for his sister was so strong that after she married Alex, he ran away from home looking for her—a cherished family story that had been shared for years. Later in life, as his health declined, Johnnie moved to the family farm with Alex, where they enjoyed each other's companionship and cared for one another. He especially enjoyed trips to Piggly Wiggly in Blackshear for groceries, driving by his old home, and ending the day with a stop at Maryland Fried Chicken. Together, they found comfort, friendship, and companionship.

 A man of unwavering faith, Johnnie faithfully read his Bible every day. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, watching basketball and baseball, and was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves. He looked forward with great excitement to attending his great-great-nieces Barbara's and Alexanderia's basketball games this season.

Known affectionately as the family's "wood man," Johnnie took pride in splitting firewood by hand with an axe. His strength was evident not only in his physical labor but also in his steadfast faith and quiet spirit.

In his final years, Johnnie leaned on the love and support of his devoted nephew, Alexander "Al" Williams Jr., and his wife, Barbara Blount. They faithfully cared for him and remained by his side until the very end. Through every challenge, Johnnie never complained. His needs were few, his heart was humble, and his spirit remained gentle and peaceful.

Johnnie will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, loyal service, deep love for his family, and the example of humility he left for all who knew him.

Amen.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 1:00 in the Fluker Funeral Home Chapel. Please keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.

Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, Georgia 31501

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