George Michael Johnson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George Michael Johnson, known to his loved ones simply as Mike. Born on January 14, 1983, in Fayetteville, NC, Mike left us too soon on October 15, 2024, at the age of 41. A resident of Lawrenceville, GA, he will be remembered for his big personality, his loyalty, and his ability to leave a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Mike attended South Gwinnett High School and spent his final years as the manager at Chili’s Restaurant in Lawrenceville, where he worked from January 2023 until his passing. His coworkers and friends describe him as the most dependable and unforgettable person, always a presence that lit up the room—driving them crazy in the best way possible. Mike had a passion for life and a personality that could never be ignored. He was excitable, talkative, and dedicated to the people he loved.

Mike was a proud member of the NRA and a lifelong fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. There wasn’t a bigger UGA football fan out there—Mike lived and breathed Georgia football. His love for the Dawgs even led him to send emails to Coach Kirby Smart after tough losses. In honor of his devotion, visitors are welcome to wear their UGA gear to the visitation and gathering.

A lover of history, Mike had a particular interest in mobsters and mafia lore. His knowledge of sports, music, and history was vast, making him a walking encyclopedia. His love of tattoos also grew in recent years, much to his mother’s dismay, and he became a regular at his favorite tattoo parlor, a hobby he embraced wholeheartedly.

Family was everything to Mike. He made his loved ones feel important, safe, and loved, always leaving them laughing with his humor and devious charm. His mom, Lynn, will tell you that Mike had a way of making sure you never forgot him. His niece, nephews, cousins, and extended family adored him. His friends knew they could always count on him, even if he made them pull their hair out at times.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence T. Johnson, his maternal grandparents Leon and Dolores Hobbs, and his paternal grandparents George and BettyJo Johnson. He is survived by his loving mother and stepdad, Lynn and John Davis, his sister and brother-in-law Megan and Tito Perez, his beloved niece Kaitlyn Perez, nephews Manny and Matthew Perez, and his best friend for life and cousin Daniel Adams. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Kendall and Jeff Adams, Beth and Jimmy Hobbs, Cindy and Jack McCormick, Cathy and Breeden Blackwell, and their children and grandchildren. His close friend Billy Sheriff will miss him dearly.

A visitation will be held on November 2, 2024, from 2-4 PM at Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Following the visitation, friends and family are invited to gather at Will Henry’s Tavern in Lawrenceville to celebrate Mike’s life and share memories.

The family requests that donations in Mike’s memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a cause close to his heart.

In the words of his mother, Lynn: “I didn’t realize just how many lives Mike had touched. So many people have reached out to me—some I don’t even know—telling me how he touched their lives. His passing will leave a void that cannot be filled. Mike, I love you forever, son, to the stars and beyond.”

Mike Johnson’s larger-than-life spirit, boundless energy, and unforgettable presence will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.