A Life Story

Johnny Hathaway, 74, joined his beloved wife of 50 years, Beverly, in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 12, 2024.Born to Imogene and Johnny Hathaway on May 9, 1950 in Savannah, Georgia, Johnny graduated from Savannah High School in 1968. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Armstrong State College in 1973 and continued until the completion of his Master of Education in 1977 from Georgia Southern University. During this time he began his teaching career at Calvary Day School and shortly after began an almost 20 year long career at Memorial Day School. While there he served in multiple roles including teacher, guidance counselor, Upper School Coordinator, and Assistant Headmaster.In 1994 he retired from teaching to follow the Lord's calling to serve as camp director at the Savannah Baptist Assembly where he and Beverly remained until 2012. While there, he formed many long lasting friendships and mentored many young teenagers who only thought they were "cleaning toilets for Jesus," but did not realize the lasting impact that Mr. Johnny would have on the people they became. Shortly after their move to the Assembly, they became founding members of what is now One Savior Church where Johnny faithfully served as Elder, Sunday School teacher, and home group leader. Always a teacher, his favorite topic was discussing God's word. In 2000 he was ordained at Calvary Baptist Temple and set apart for the work of Gospel ministry. A source of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement, he and Beverly spent countless hours ministering to and encouraging couples and individuals with the love of Jesus Christ.Early in their marriage, Johnny and Beverly were active in the Tippett Sunday school class at Calvary Baptist Temple, where they built friendships that lasted until the Lord called them home. Johnny had a love for hymns and teaching God's word. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, cooking, traveling, reading, and playing devil's advocate during stimulating intellectual conversations. A calming and steadfast presence, he never hesitated to help someone in need and to give of his time and talents for the sake of encouraging others and spurring them on in their relationship with Jesus. Of all the endeavors Johnny gave his time and energy to, second only to his commitment to the Lord, nothing gave him greater joy than loving his family.He is survived by his son and daughter- in -law, Jonathan and Naomi Hathaway; daughter and son- in -law, Danna and O'Neal Jones; his cherished grandchildren, Jasmine, Jaden, Jack, Cason, Darcy, and Emersyn, his brother and sister- in- law, David and Debra Hathaway, and many other family members and friends whom he deeply loved.The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Statesboro, and to Right at Home who helped care for Dad over this last year.There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 21st at 10:30 AM at One Savior Church at 289 Harley Road, Guyton, GA 31312.Never one for spending money on temporal things, Johnny requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the International Mission Board and the Home Mission Board through the Georgia Baptist Convention.Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421