Jesse Johnson, 66

Mr. Jesse Johnson, 66, of Twin City, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Ogeechee Hospice in Statesboro. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at Emanuel County Institute Rountree Stadium with Rev. Jonathan Shepard officiating, assisted by Mr. Milan Turner. Interment will follow at the Coleman Cemetery in Twin City. Visitation will be held Friday, June 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be John Moseley, Kenny Davis, Milan Turner, Greg Kennedy, Chris Kearson, Chad Harper, Chad Simmons and Dee Durden. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the 2025 ECI football team and former ECI Softball team players and coaches.

Raised in Twin City, Jesse was the epitome of what it meant to bleed red and black. Growing up, he was lively and outgoing, and it would be safe to say that he preferred athletics over academics. Jesse was always proud to be an ECI Bulldog, and he wore his school spirit like a badge of honor. Upon graduation in 1976, he remained a constant figure at countless sporting events held at his beloved school. Jesse coached ECI middle school softball team. He then moved to Rountree Stadium where his enthusiasm and passion would become a Friday night staple for years to come. There’s not a single person who’s ever attended a game that can’t recall one of his familiar adages of “Another bulldog first down!” followed by a resounding bark from the stands. There will never be a moment where folks don’t recall how it felt hearing his one-of-a-kind voice booming from the announcer’s booth. Jesse’s adoration for the home team was contagious and spread like wildfire for all in attendance. One of his most treasured moments was witnessing his grandson Braxton, #58, playing as a varsity member on the very same field that he once played on and held so dear. As an alumnus, this was a heartfelt continuation of a cherished legacy.

As much pride as Jesse had for his alma mater, nothing could ever surpass the love he had for his family. On April 28, 1979, he married the love of his life, Deborah “Debbie” Wilson, and together they raised two children. Their son Asa was born on June 11, 1981, and on December 13, 1988, their baby girl Angel completed the Johnson crew. Throughout the years, Jesse relished his role as devoted husband and father. He spent many days coaching Angel when she played softball for the Lady Dawgs and was there for every milestone that his son Asa would reach. Jesse loved the life he lived, and when he became a Pa, his grandkids were the highlight of his existence. There wasn’t a time that you would chat with him that he didn’t grin like a Cheshire cat and offer the latest stories about his precious blessings.

As melancholy as Jesse’s passing is for those who knew him and loved him, there will always be a special air that surrounds Rountree Stadium on Friday nights. The lights might not shine as brightly for some, and the press box calls may not rattle the opposing team as much. Nevertheless, Jesse will be there. There will never be another one like him. We can all rest assured that God greeted him with, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” However, for Jesse, a simple “Give that dawg a bone!” would have sufficed. Jesse also served the Lord as a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for many years. Mr. Johnson is preceded in death by his parents, C.A. “Johnny” Johnson and Marjorie W. Johnson; and grandchildren, Braxton Oliver, Greyson Oliver and Aspen Johnson.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Debbie Johnson; children, Asa (Jessica) Johnson and Angel (Jeremy) Oliver, all of Twin City; grandchildren, Salena Johnson, Ashton Johnson, Chloe Oliver, Cason Johnson and Bailey Grace Oliver; brother, Russell (Leslie) Johnson of Swainsboro; nephews, Chip Morgan (Mamrie), Schuyler (Jaycee) Johnson and Tiernan (Lexi) Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made to the Braxton Oliver Scholarship Foundation at any Durden Banking Company location.

The family requests that those in attendance dress casual, and wear ECI Bulldog colors, red and black.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.