Johnny Bazemore

Funeral services for Johnny Bazemore will be held on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 11:00 am at Butler First Baptist Church.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will follow in Butler Memorial Cemetery.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:25-28 It was obviousto anyone that knew Johnny Bazemore that he lived by this scripture daily. On September 25, 1960, Johnny Bazemore and Gloria Reid pledged their love in front of family and friends. In a small service, those 62 years ago, Johnny promised to love and cherish his wife, raise his future family in a Godly household and put God first above all else. Not knowing what the future would hold, we now know that he stood by his promises daily, as he loved his wife daily with Christ as the center of their household.

Johnny Bazemore, affectionately known as “Pop” was the epitome of a southern gentleman, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a hard worker and provided for his family. Johnny worked at Flint EMC where he served as the Operations Manager. He was a loyal employee for 42 years and took great pride in what he did, instilling these same values in his own children. As a father to 3 children, 2 sons and one daughter, Johnny and his wife, Gloria, were proud of their children and took active roles in their lives and the lives of their friends. He supported their passions and encouraged their education and careers. Johnny then welcomed their spouses with open arms and loved them as though they were his own. Whilehe loved his children dearly, his grandchildren and later great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. “GaGa” and “Pop” coined special names for each of their grandchildren and were always proudly in attendance at sporting events, barrel races, dance recitals and school events. When not at the races with his son Reid or faithfully traveling alongside his daughter Cindi to her son’s football and baseball games, Johnny could be found planning his next hunting trip. “Pop” loved to go hunting and was often accompanied by his son Bobby or one of his grandchildren. He loved being in nature and enjoyed the fellowship while being in the field or in the stand. These special moments filled with family and friends are times that he and those who had the ability to join him cherished most.

Johnny in his later years was no stranger to the kitchen. He used his culinary talents at the grill or the smoker to make a difference in the lives of others. Johnny and his wife, Gloria,were active in the First Baptist Church of Butler where Johnny served as a Deacon. Together they served on various committees, most often involving the kitchen. Johnny was also once active with the “Walk to Emmaus” where he and his wifeprepared and served meals to those attending the weekend retreat. He took great pride in helping Gloria in the kitchen. The time spent in the kitchen was an opportunity for both Johnny and Gloria to minister to others with their culinary talents.

In their later years and as his health began to decline, Johnny was placed in the local nursing home. His wife Gloria stood by the promise made years ago and visited Johnny daily. Johnny was well loved and looked after by the staff, patients, family and friends who would visit him. A hug and kiss from his wife always seemed to brighten his day. As his mind began to fail him, he always knew who Gloria was. He would often reminisce on the past and the stories of past hunting trips and childhood memories. Even when he was at his lowest, his love for his family never wavered.

Johnny Bazemore,81, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2022, at Upson Regional Medical Center surrounded by familyafter enduring a prolonged illness. He is preceded in death by his wife; Gloria Bazemore, and his parents; Louise and Ollie Bazemore. Survivors include his 3 children, Cindi (Barry) Whitley, Bobby (Patti) Bazemore and Reid (Jodie) Bazemore; 6 grandchildren, Payton (Holly) Whitley Abby (Nathan) Poole,Ollie Bazemore, Sara Beth (Kollin) Eubanks, Laura Kay (Travis) Hardy and Annie (Landon)Tinsley; 8 great-grandchildren, Micah John, Karsyn, and Karter Eubanks, Ryn Hardy, Howell, Willa, and Whitley Poole and Elie Bell Whitley.

McLeighton Funeral Service if Butler is in charge of arrangements.

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