Mr. Johnnie Clinton Hitson, Sr.

Johnnie Clinton Hitson Sr. a.k.a. “Buddy” or “J.C.” of Statenville, Georgia passed away Monday, May 9, 2016 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia

He was born August 23, 1927 to the late Clarence Hitson Sr. and the late Gertrude Hunt Hitson in Ware County, Fairfax, Georgia

He was married to Willie Mae Sirmans Hitson for 63 years.

He attended Ware County Country Schools in Fairfax, Ga and Echols County Church Schools in Statenville.

He worked with Hercules Powder Company in Statenville for 25 years, then he began working with Occidental Chemical (now known as PCS Phosphate) in White Springs, Fla. where he retired after 26 years on March 1, 1992.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Gertrude Hitson; one son: Johnnie C. Hitson Jr. “Dank”, one brother: Bernard Hitson Sr. and five sisters: Magdalene Garvin, Geneva Seigler, Helen Hayes, Dorothy Richardson and Barbara Hitson.

He is survived by his devoted wife Willie Mae Hitson of Statenville; two sons: Nicholas Hitson (JoAnn) of Statenville and Marvin Hitson of Phenix City, Ala.; five daughters: Peggy Gandy of Statenville, Vivian Davies (Charles) of Atlanta, Ruby Rogers (Ervin) of Morven, Shirley Linton (Charles) of Boston and his youngest daughter Alisha Jones of Statenville; three brothers: Clarence Hitson Jr. & Lamar Hitson of Statenville and Alvin Hitson of Lake City, Fla.; one sister-in-law: Gloria Hitson of Valdosta; two brothers-in-law: Thomas Richardson of Statenville and Joe Buddy Hayes of Miami and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and surrounding friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. Johnnie Clinton Hitson, Sr. will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00am in the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel.

Bishop James Smith will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.