John A. Saxon, Sr.

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His life reflected a gentle and thoughtful nature.

John A. Saxon, Sr., lovingly known as Johnny, passed away at his residence on September 7, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1947, in Camilla, Georgia, and lived a life marked by devotion to his family, quiet strength, and steady faith.

Johnny was an honor graduate of the Camilla Consolidated High School Class of 1965. He also earned a certificate in Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, preparing himself for a life of work and responsibility. He served his country as a Vietnam veteran of the United States Marine and later worked as a tire builder with Firestone Plant of Albany and as a machine operator with Georgia Power Company.

A lifelong member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Johnny remained connected to the church from childhood. His life reflected a gentle and thoughtful nature. He had a pleasant personality and was quiet in his own way, often taking time to know a person before opening up. Once he did, he became very verbal and engaging. He believed in tending to his own business and not involving himself in anyone else’s, and those who knew him understood him as a loving husband who cared deeply about all his family.

Johnny also found joy in simple and meaningful pleasures. He liked to hunt and fish, and he played baseball as a center fielder. It was said that no ball would come past him, a memory that speaks to both his athletic ability and the spirit with which he approached life.

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He believed in tending to his own business and not involving himself in anyone else’s.

One of the great blessings of his life was his marriage to the former Betty Carter. Together they built a lasting bond of love and commitment, and they would have celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage on September 19.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Betty Saxon; his daughters, Bridgett (Duane) Jones of Columbia, South Carolina, and Jonya Saxon of Midland, Georgia; and his son, Johnny (Kelley) Saxon, Jr. of Valdosta, Georgia.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jaquari Saxon, Darius Jones, Brydell Jones, Adrian Jones, Kasen Saxon. He leaves behind his sisters, Annie Lee Jones, Hazel Jackson and her husband Willie, Linda Saxon of Camilla, Georgia; brothers, Willie Saxon and his wife Betty of Youngstown, Ohio, Ronnie Saxon and his wife Lillie, and Stanley Saxon and his wife Willie Ester of Camilla, Georgia. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ernest Carter and his wife Robin of Reading, Pennsylvania; his sister-in-law, Odessa Carter Morman and her husband Clark of Hinesville, Georgia; and a host of nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Albert Saxon; his mother, Charsie Dye Saxon; and his brother, Frank Saxon.

Family and friends are invited to honor Johnny’s life at the funeral service on September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 8825 River Road, Camilla, GA 31730. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 8825 River Road, Camilla, GA 31730 with military honors.

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Johnny also found joy in simple and meaningful pleasures.

Johnny’s life was one of faith, work, loyalty, and love. He will be remembered for his quiet presence, his devotion to those closest to him, and the steady way he moved through the world. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him.