Master Sergeant (E8) USAR (Ret) age 83 of Ellijay, GA, a “Cold War” Veteran of the US Army Special Forces, passed away July 28th, 2016 at his residence. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Sylvia Roberts Johnson, his father, Frank Sanderson Johnson, and mother Margaret Eloise Johnson. Military Rites will be performed by the North GA Honor Guard at noon on Thursday, August 4th, 2016 at the Logan Funeral Home Pavilion, Masonic Rites will follow by the Oak Bowery Lodge #81 F&AM. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 5th, 2016 at the Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA, with Military Honors being performed by the United States Army.

Survivors include daughter Jennifer J. Ford of Waxhaw, NC, Kimberley Ann Johnson of Melrose, FL; sons and daughter-in-law Jeffrey Keith and Dyanne Johnson of Germantown, OH and Jesse Roberts Johnson of Cincinnati, OH; 5 grandsons; 3 grand daughters, a great grandson and 2 great grand daughters; brother, David Rodgers Johnson of Wellston, OH; sister Julia Naomi Korn of Miamisburg, OH.

MSG Johnson was born in New Holland, OH, at the home of his paternal grand parents on 31 August 1932. He graduated eighth grade in Bloomingburg, OH, and high school with the 1950 class of Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. He attained two years of college equivalence while serving in the US Army.

Hugh and Sylvia were married on 4 November 1960 at the Hay Street Methodist Church in Fayetteville, NC.

MSG Johnson volunteered for the draft on 9 December 1954, volunteered again for Airborne, and was assigned to “L” Company, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division. His overseas duty assignments took him to Germany, Korea, England and the island of Dominica, with his last duty assignment being with the Army ROTC Detachment, University of Cincinnati. He was honorably discharged from active duty on 15 September 1965 as a Staff Sergeant E6.

In September of 1975, MSG Johnson once again volunteered and enlisted in the US Army Reserve. This time with “C” Company, 2nd Battalion, 11th Special Forces Group located in Dayton, OH. After assignment, a vacancy opened up for the Civil Service position of Unit Supply and Administration Technician with the unit. He applied and was accepted for this dual status position, in which he served until his retirement in August 1992. He retired as a Master Sergeant and GS 7.

Master Sergeant Johnson accumulated a total of 31 years of active, National Guard and Reserve service. His highest decorations included the Meritorious Service and Army Commendations Medals. He was a Master Parachutist.

Hugh was a member of McMillan Masonic Lodge #141 and York Rite Norwood Chapter 193 located in Cincinnati and Norwood, OH. He was a life member of the NRA, American Legion and The US Army Special Forces Association. He also was a Honorary Kentucky Colonel.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Hugh’s name, may be forwarded to Secretary, Chapter XXXIII, Special Forces Association, 5512 Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914 for the enhancement of their scholarship fund.

Logan Funeral Home and Chapel Ellijay, GA in Charge of the arrangements.
357 Dalton Street Ellijay, GA 30540 (706)635-4554 www.loganfuneralhome.com