George M. Johnson Jr., 77, of 28 Berva Drive, Bradford, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, November 3, 2017.
Born September 3, 1940 in Bradford, he was a son of the late George M. and Elizabeth A (Anderson) Johnson Sr. He was a 1958 graduate of Bradford High School and had attended Paul Smith's College in Paul Smith NY.
On July 1, 1961 in the East End Presbyterian Church he married Shirley F. (Holden) Johnson who survives.
George was employed at Kendall Refining Company, Witco Corporation he retired as Plant Supervisor from American Refining Group after 43 years of total service. Following his retirement he was employed by Shultz Auto Group and Zippo Manufacturing. At the time of his death he was working his dream job at The Lodge at Glendorn where he enjoyed educating and guiding guests using the experience, skills, and knowledge he gained as an avid sportsman, including skeet shooting, hunting, and fishing. He also had a passion for raising and training dogs and spent countless hours prepping and preparing the dogs for the upcoming hunting season.
George was active in the community as a former member of the Bradford Exchange Club, and the American Heart Association where he served as director and was instrumental in organizing and executing the American Heart Association Skeet Shooting fundraiser. He was a life member of the Bradford Gun Club and devoted much time to building and development of the existing club.
George was the former secretary/treasurer of the Venango Bird Dog Club, and the Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Futurity, he retired last year after 30 years of service. He was currently the secretary/treasurer of the Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship, in which the top 14 dogs in the country compete to win the championship. He was a member and served on the board of the Grand National Grouse Championship. In 2012 George was inducted into the Legends of the Coverdog World, with the plaque hanging in The Bird Dog Hall of Fame in Grand Junction TN.
Surviving in addition to his wife Shirley "Edith" of 56 years, are two daughters, Kimberly (Joe) Caldwell, of Bradford, and Kristin (Bruce) Young, of Springville NY., three grandchildren, Dr. Sarah Young of Northville Michigan, Kathleen Caldwell of Bradford, and Amanda Young of Chicago IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved Jeanne "Gomie" Johnson.
Family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 3-5pm & 7-9pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., where funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday with the Rev. Douglas Soley, retired Lutheran minister officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the George Johnson Patron Memorial Fund, in care of, The Bird Dog Foundation, P.O. Box 774, Grand Junction TN, 38039 or the SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice.
On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com