Mr. Max Hayward "Buddy" Johnson, Sr., age 77, of Rockmart passed away Monday, November 7, 2011.

Max "Buddy" entered this life on July 11, 1934 in Polk County, Georgia and entered into eternal life on November 7, 2011 at his home.

Max was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Johnson and Mary Jim Harper-Johnson. He is also preceded in death b siblings Billy Johnson (AL) and Winnie LuAllen (GA), a granddaughter, Tonie Leanne White and great granddaughter, Addison Baylee Bragg.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannine Armstrong Johnson of Rockmart, GA with whom he celebrated 54 years of marriage, his children, Denise and Gerald Jones of Felton, GA, Michelle and Philip Cromer of Buchanan, GA and Max Hayward Johnson, Jr. of Rockmart, GA. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Nicole Johnson-Thomas and husband, Ken, Courtney Smith-Bragg and husband, Josh, Ricky Smith Jones, Jenny White, Heather White-Woods and husband, Ray, Max Hayward "Troy" Johnson, III and Shana Sanders, as well as 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Cason of Kentucky and sister-in-law, Mary and Harry Cunningham of Hiram, GA, brothers-in-law, George and Frieda Armstrong of Conyers and Beryl Armstrong of Rockmart, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Max was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served our great country with pride. He was a retired truck driver with the Coca Cola Company. After living in Decatur, GA for many years, Buddy returned to his hometown and the people and place he loved so much. He touched the lives of so many of us in such positive ways. Our memories are his gift to us. He loved people and spent his retirement years helping others in his family and community.

Visitation will be held at Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel in Buchanan, GA on November 8, 2011 from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on November 9, 2011 from 9:00 A.M. until
12 Noon. The service will be conducted on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. The celebration of life service is being officiated by Rev. Jack Edwards, Rev. Tom Barfield and Rev. Donny Sutton.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the widow in Buddy's honor. The remains will be cremated after the service and interred in a private celebration at Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.