Stephen “Bubba” Rydell Johnson, 58, of Louisville, Georgia, stepped from time to eternity on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Augusta, Georgia.

Public viewing will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 from 3:00 6:00 P.M. at Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville, GA 30434

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at the Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church, 7476 Highway 296, Stapleton, GA 30823

Interment will be held in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 5727 US Highway 1 North, Louisville, GA.

Stephen was born on July 13, 1964, to the parentage of the late Lula Mae Johnson and Robert G. Kelly. He was the 9th of 12 born to this union in Wadley, GA. In 1982, Stephen graduated from Wadley High School. During his matriculation, he excelled both academically and athletically. Post-graduation, he served in the United States Army as a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Upon his return from serving his country, Stephen worked at Roper Lawn Products, Thermo King, and Southern Company prior to deciding to further his education at Sandersville Technical College.

Stephen spent most of his adult years working as a transporter for companies such as B & H, Hogan, Howard Shepherd, and Fred’s Inc., before partnering to start his own transporting company, C&K Trucking Co. for the last seven years. He drove for a total of 25 years.

Stephen had a sweet and loving spirit. He was well-known for his humble, mild, and calm demeanor. To know him, was to love him. Those dearest to him called him Bubba, Chief, and House Cat. He lived his life as a role model for those he knew. Over the years, he opened his doors as a haven for family and children in his community. They were always safe in his home. He supported countless children by attending and cheering them on in sports and in the classroom. He believed that education was important but did not pass judgement to those who chose other paths. He had a general respect for everyone he encountered, and respect was always given in return. Stephen carried a treasure in his heart that time could not steal; his love for Janice Johnson. Together, he and Janice nurtured their family in a home of unconditional love. Their children and grandchildren meant the world to him.

Stephen joins in eternal rest, his parents Lula Mae Johnson and Robert Kelly, Sr.; brothers, Ronnie Dickerson, Robert Kelly, Jr., John Kelly, Sr.; sisters, Rhonda Johnson, Stacy Johnson, Wanda Jean Johnson, and Loretta Kelly.

Stephen’s love and legacy will be cherished and preserved by his children; Arkier Johnson of Grovetown, GA, Talekia (Dennis) Nelson of Grovetown, GA, Stephen Johnson, Jr., of Atlanta, GA, Michael Johnson, of Grovetown, GA, and Mya Johnson, of Augusta, GA.; children he reared as his own, Frankie Nesby Jr., of Grovetown GA, Axavier Harris, of Warner Robins, GA, Vaneka Nesby of Louisville, GA, Earl Johnson, Jr. of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Arkeria “Free” Johnson, Ramon Anderson, Sharmaine Loury, Kamari Johnson, Tyshon Jenkins, Skye Johnson, Kesean Johnson, Laythan-Arkier Johnson, Arkier Johnson, Jr., Dennis Nelson, Jr., Damarion Nelson, TaNivia Nelson, Andrew Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Michael Johnson, Jr., Dezi Johnson, and Ace Johnson; sisters , Sophia Johnson, Kim (Sam) Umoh, Nolen (Torey) McCall, Shannon (James) Carey, Rosanne Pryor, Lois (Leroy) Cordes, Olivia (Lee) Caldwell, Ora (George) Boatwright, Laura Smith; brothers, James (Tina) Dickerson, Jerome Johnson, Michael Kelly, Earl (Lindy) Johnson, Dwayne (Kerri) Johnson, Ronnie (Sparkle) Fields, Dennis (Eloise) Kelly, Sr., David (Vivian) Kelly, Sr., Patrick (Marissa) Kelly, sisters-in-law, Mary Kelly, Frances (Glen) Johnson, Vernida (Frank) Nesby, Geneva (Tommie) Terrell, Pauline (Jeremiah) Roberts; brothers-in-law, David (Deborah) Smith, Henry (Patricia) Smith, Robert (Ann) Smith, and James Smith; Godbrothers, Edward Kellum, Elton Britton; aunts, Rev. Nolan J. Bostic-Jones, Barbara (James) Britton, Debra Johnson, Annette Kearse, Minister Rosemary Fields, JoAnne Watkins ; uncles, Jerome Kearse, William Eason; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.