Mr. Johnny Wayne Jowers, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a sudden medical event.
Johnny was born February 22, 1940, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late J.D. Jowers and the late Annie Vickers Jowers. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Following his military service, he made a career in retail sales working for Gibson McDonald Furniture for more than twenty years before becoming owner/operator of the Sears Franchise in Waycross, Georgia. Johnny was a loving husband, and he loved all his children and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Harrell Grove Baptist Church that enjoyed time spent in church with his church family. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog football fan, enjoyed traveling, and Friday night senior dances. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Dwayne Jowers; his first wife, Gaile Nash Jowers; a brother, Jimmy Jowers; and two sisters, June J. Grimes and Joyce J. Carter.
Johnny leaves behind his loving wife of 7 years, Vonice Harrell Jowers of Douglas, Georgia; five children: Tammy Raulerson and husband, Harmon, of Blackshear, Georgia, Howell Cullens and wife, Kim, of Eatonton, Georgia, Barbara Crosby and husband, Derrick, of Waycross, Georgia, Mark Harrell of Douglas, Georgia, and Cheri McKinnon and husband, Hamp, of Douglas, Georgia; eight grandchildren: Scott Tanner, Jr., Nash Cullens, Will Cullens, Luke Crosby, Liam Crosby, Brian McKinnon, Chance Harrell, and Jesse Harrell; seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Johnny’s family will receive friends on Friday morning, October 9, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Harrell Grove Baptist Church. His funeral will follow at 11:00 AM at Harrell Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Jimbo Steed officiating. Musical selections will include “Go Rest High On That Mountain” from the recorded music of Vince Gill, “Far Side Banks of Jordan” from the recorded music of Jimmy Fortune; and a congregational hymn of “Amazing Grace” with Joyce Reed accompanying on piano. Following the funeral service, family and friends will dismiss and gather at 2:00 PM for interment in Greenlawn Cemetery in Waycross, Georgia.
Active pallbearers will include Scott Tanner, Jr., Nash Cullens, Will Cullens, Derrick Crosby, Luke Crosby, and Liam Crosby.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Johnny’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Johnny’s family is being served by the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.